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Avatar universal

Waiting vs. biopsy

I recently had a mammogram with follow-up images that showed vascular and other calcifications.  The radiologist said I could either go ahead with two biopsies now, or wait six months and do another mammogram to see if there are any changes.  I've already had 6 stereotactic biopsies (benign) and a lumpectomy for Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (benign), and have a personal history of Hodgkin's Lymphoma many years ago which was treated with radiation and chemotherapy.  My mother and sister both have breast cancer (sister is Stage II with both aggressive and non-aggressive types).   The radiologist seems to think waiting is the preferred option because past biopsies were benign, but is giving me a choice and I don't know that I want to wait.  My sister said her cancer was diagnosed due to scattered calcifications.  I guess my question is what is the risk of calcifications indicating cancer if there is a history of benign past biopsies, but also a strong family history of cancer?
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822852 tn?1238541277
you can never be too safe
i say you go and get the biopsies.
my dad waited to get his and it formed into breast cancer over the time because his doctor said it was a cyst.
so unfortunately we went through everything
i dont want that to happen to you
so even if they are benign you want to watch them
cuz cancer is a terrible thing to have to go through

-regards  
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Avatar universal
Thanks again!  I spoke with the Dr., and she's sending me to a surgeon.  She thinks he will probably want to excise a larger area than first thought, and thinks I should discuss the preventive mastectomy.  Apparently, since I also have heart disease (had a heart attack 4 years ago at 51), my treatment options for cancer would be limited and it is better to prevent it if we can.  I realize that the preventive mastectomy only gives me a 90% chance of being cancer free, but that is still pretty good odds!

Anyway, good luck to you, too!
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25201 tn?1255580836
Good for you .... do what makes you comfortable and gives you peace of mind. Remember though that just because you have a mastectomy this does not mean that you are "home free" as far as breast cancer is concerned. It isn't likely but certainly not impossible.   Good luck with your biopsies and whatever other decision you make  .....
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the response.  I'm going to see my primary care doctor this week, who I trust, and will discuss it with her.  However, I think I'll just do the biopsies so I don't have to sit around and worry.  I'm also going to ask about a preventative mastectomy and reconstruction -- then I won't have to worry at all!  Extreme, but may be an option for total peace of mind.  I've already had several Dr.'s suggest it as an option, so it might be time to seriously consider it.  
Helpful - 0
25201 tn?1255580836
That's a tough one .... one biopsy shouldn't have any bearing on another ... just because one or more have been benign it doesn't mean the next one will be the same.  A reasonable number of biopsies done because of calcifications do return benign results  and familial breast cancers only account for 5 to 10% of of cases. If you are completely comfortable waiting the 6 months then do it but if not then go ahead with the biopsy. Have you consulted your Surgeon about this ?? Perhaps an opinion other than the Radiologist's might help you decide.     Regards ....
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