Very New...Am Confused...microcalcification in left breast...help me, please!

[drandie2]

I had my 2nd mammogram on March 10th and had my first baby October 30th. Am 33 years old. Had normal baseline Feb 2004. I last breastfed 3 months ago. My radiologist called me to talk about what my mammogram showed. She said I had some microcalicifaction in left breast. The left breast was the dominant breast I breastfed from. I asked her "Does it look bad?" She said "No." I then asked her "Should I worry?" She responded "No. There was nothing to be concerned about, however to have another mammogram in 3 months." (because technically, she said a woman who has finished breastfeeding should wait at least 6 months after she's finished to get a mammogram and it had only been 3 months when I had my mammogram on March 10th). She then said she would send my report to me and my referring doctor. I called my referring doctor's office to see if she had called or if they had received a report (that is usually what the mammogram place does if they see something wrong and need action immediately). The office nurse said the radiologist never called nor did they have the report at the time I called so not to worry myself silly. So, my question is, until I receive my results from her in the mail, should I be worrying myself sick here? I know calcifications normally occur but since she told me not to worry and that "it" doesn't look bad, perhaps this tells me that I have a BIRAD2 or 3? Is that correct? Which BIRAD number would someone such as myself in this case would have been assigned? I'm new to all this so please help me!!!!!!!!!!!

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear drandie2:  Without a radiologist review of the mammogram, it is not possible to determine whether this is a BIRAD 2 or 3.  Likely, based on the recommendation you received, that it is one of the two.  Microcalcifications are normally found within breast tissue.  The pattern of their growth may increase or decrease concern.  Scattered calcifications are generally less concerning and clusters of calcifications may increase concern that there could be an abnormality.  If your doctor is not concerned, then you should try not to worry yourself sick.  If you remain concerned, you could get a second opinion.

[drandie2]

Dear RN,

Thank you so much for your input! My radiologist called me today (she knew I was going to worry) and reassured me that the small calcium in lb wasn't anything to worry about and that it did not present itself as being suspicious (was not clustered) but to, however, keep an eye on it/followup and wait until I've reached my 6th month mark in June (6 months POST breastfeeding). I will try not to worry myself sick like that again. It doesn't feel good nor is it good for the family. Thanks again for your cares and concern.

Best!

[drandie2]

Daer Healthcareguerilla,

In response to your question about what happened between the time the radiologist called and now....I'm just waiting to get the doctor's report in the mail and I have an 18 week post partum physical with my referring physician (OB-GYN) on Wednesday. I feel a lot better considering no one from the referring physician's office called me in relation to what what seen on xray.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Now I know that calium normally happens and that doesn't make me feel alone.

Best to you!

[drandie2]

Dear Healthcare Guerilla,

I forgot to tell you that on Wednesday morning, the same day I have my normal post partum physical, I will get all of my x rays and the doctor will go over them with me while there.

Thanks again so much!

Best!

[drandie2]

Dear Japdip,

You are so right that we as humans tend to worry, no matter what! (smiles)I called a doctor friend of mine lastnight and she told me "When you left me a message stating that you were getting a mammogram, I was like why didn't you wait 6-8 months after/post breastfeeding rather than go now?" I told her no one told me and neither my referring physician or I did not see any reason to go. I just simply asked thinking that was what all post preggers do! It truly did scare me and here I was worrying unnecessarily. Honestly, I called 5 doctors who know their work and they all, in the end said the same thing "Then don't worry....calcium is normal...if it wasn't...you and your referring doctor would have received a phone call the SAME day you went in for mammogram, let alone the radiologist would have met you too, that same day." I'm like whew! Will keep you posted!

Thank you for taking the time to respond. It means a lot to me.

Best!

[healthcareguerilla]

It would be a shame for you to spend the entire weekend frightened.  

What happened between the time the radiologist told you she had no concerns, and now?

Always get copies of your reports.  Then you can read them with a clearer head.  I also arrange to view my films with the radiologist.

[japdip]

As a rule if a finding is "bad" (using your term), notification is done by phone to your referring physician. Microcalcifications within the breast are normally present ..... in certain patterns, groups or clusters they do indicate the possibility of an underlying problem. I won't say "don't worry" .... because we humans tend to do that no matter what .... try not to be overly upset though .... wait for the results in writing. Best of Luck.