Breast Calcifications

[Deb95NJ]

I am 37 years old.  My family has a history of Breast Cancer.  I had my baseline mamogram at 35. Calcifications were found in my right breast. I had a needle biopsy, came back fine. Had re-check 6 mos. later, more calcifications, needle biopsy, came back fine. Another 6 mos. re-check & bi-lateral, more calcifications in right breast. Surgical biopsy, came back fine. I am scheduled for my next 6 mos. re-check this week.What else can I ask my doctor to do...should I be getting other tests??? I cannot keep having surgery on my breast, but the calcifications keep coming back. I have never had a "normal" mamogram.  Any suggestions???

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Deb95NJ:  Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. There are different types of microcalcifications, and based on their pattern on the mammogram it gives the radiologist clues as to their cause. For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause, a

[Robinda806]

A related discussion, Recurring Calcifications was started.

[vicki53]

A related discussion, calcifiation was started.

[vicki53]

A related discussion, 6 months check for calcifitions was started.

[sable9707]

A related discussion, micro calcifications birad 4 was started.

[gram7]

A related discussion, Calcifications was started.

[GrannyJo47]

A related discussion, Breast Biopsy was started.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm not positive, but I think I heard needle directed biopsy referred to as a hook one time. In this procedure they squeeze your breast between the mammogram plates and take numerous mammos to insert a wire to locate the calcifications. Then a surgeon removes the area. When I had this done they numbed me up good and it wasn't bad. I just had to ice the area for 24 hours afterwards. Again, I'm not sure this is what they refer to. Sorry to hear you have to go through a biopsy, too. I hope the proceedure goes well and will keep you in my prayers also.

[netsky]

I'm so glad I found this site. It's an answer to my prayers. I had my mammo last month, July, and  findings is BI-RAD 4-b. My doctor referred me to a breast surgeon who said that she disagrees with mammo interpretation and that she doesn't even see the need for biopsy.  For my peace of mind, I went to see another surgeon and this time he told me that there's lesion behind my nipple in addition to the calcifications.  He recommended another surgeon, his mentor, who he thinks will be able to do a better diagnosis and perform the biopsy using hook?  I'm seeing him tom., but in the meantime, I'm so agitated and nervous.  Can somebody tell me what this "hook" is all about please? What's the difference between this and the usual biopsy procedure?  Will it be painful? I need help. Thanks.

[maa64]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I know I should draw from my faith in God. Thank you for understanding about my husband. He never handles my stress well. He takes the tough love approach. Thank you for reminding me of that. I am so glad I have this website. I read the posts and realize that countless others are going and have gone through what I am going through. It is nice to know that one is not alone.

[Montana girl 06]

I've had 3 biopsies. My husband is always sure they'll be benign. I am always scared they'll be cancer even tho we both heard what the doctor said. Fortunately, all 3 of my biopsies were benign. As women, we tend to worry a lot about breast biopsies. At the same time, you need to know that a high percentage of birad 4 biopsies for calcs are benign. There's a great chance you'll be just fine. I've found I do better if I try to purposely dwell on some positive things in my life when I'm waiting for a biopsy so I don't add to my stress. You have a right to express your feelings. It may stress your husband out to see you so upset, and he might be responding to that. I once read that you should allow yourself a 10 min. pity party (set a timer.) When the timer goes off, get involved in a positive activity to get your mind off your problem. Sounds like you have some great kids to be thankful for. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[maa64]

Thank you for all the information. I am 42 years old and told I have calcifications in my left breast. They are a BIRAD 4. I am so scared. I will have a biopsy on Friday. I too am upset. I thank God for this site. My husband keeps reminding me that most findings are benign. My doctor told me 2/3 of women have calcifications, but since I never had them before (I get yearly mammograms) they have to do a biopsy. My husband keeps getting upset, because I read something on the internet and I'll say see... cancer. He gets really upset and says no it says usually benign. He thinks I am overreacting and gets really upset with me. Am I wrong to be so frighten. It is all I think about since hearing I need a biopsy. I just cry most of the time. I have 4 wonderful kids the youngest being 4.
My mother had breast cancer-postmenopausal.

[Montana girl 06]

BIRAD is the rating radiologists use for mammograms. They range from 0-5. BIRAD 5 is highly suggestive of malignancy, BIRAD 4 is suspicious, and so forth. My radiology center won't actually give me a copy of the report. I have to get a copy from my doctor or surgeon. There is a great chance your calcs will turn out benign, but they won't know until they do pathology on the tissue. I hope your biopsy goes well and will keep you in my prayers.

[Jackieone]

I just found this site. I'm felling really ignorant. What is a BIRAD? I didn't know I could ask for my radiology report and/or films. I have calcifications in my left breast and am scheduled to consult with a surgeon Thursday and to schedule a surgical biopsy. My primary care physician and the radiologist said I have calcifications that are spread over a 2 cm area and that is why I can't do the needle biopsy. Am not sure yet if I really have taken this all in. I have been relieved to read that most calcifications are not cancer. Still there is always that chance. Hope each of you do well and I'll you to my prayer list. I've never done a forum thing before either.

Jackie

[Montana girl 06]

Do you have to wait until next Friday for your results? Hope all turns out well.Hope you heal well from your biopsy, too.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm sure Monday can't come quickly enough for you.  Be sure to have your questions ready to ask when you get your results.

[laure113]

I'm supposed to find out maybe on Monday. The problem, not like this all isn't, is the other cluster they left. I see all those pink bows and pink this, it's all pink. And it's all terrifying. Our lives have been put on hold and I feel powerless. It's there all the time. I do know one thing, I have been forever changed and nothing will ever be the same again. Perhaps, this is my path and I have to accept it. I better embrace life quick because I feel like I'm drowning. I want to go shopping today but I can't motivate myself to get out. I thought it would give me a lift but I don't know. Listen to me. I sound like such a baby. Sorry for going on. No one else understands. I pray for all of us today to have some peace and laughter. God bless us all.

[AzRobin]

I finally had my biopsy yesterday.  It was surgical due to the location of the lower of the 2 clusters down at the base of my nipple.  And, had a colonoscopy at the same time for good measure.  I didn't have a chance to see the doctor before I left the hospital since I woke from surgery so quickly.  The nurse said all went fine.  

So, I decided to peek inside my bandage today and found a 1+ inch incision at the top of my left nipple.  Since there were 2 clusters of more than 5, I wonder if they just removed them?  

LynneBrooke, you got me thinking they may have done that. I am so relieved for your results!

I should have biopsy results by Friday.  I wonder if they found anything in the colonoscopy.  I'll call the doc on Friday.

Anxiety about the biopsy was scary.  Waiting for the results is torture.  We're all beside ourselves.  But when I close my eyes and imagine us all holding hands and keeping the faith, for some reason it comforts me.

Thank you all for being my rock.

Robin

[Montana girl 06]

When are you supposed to get your biopsy results back? Hope you get good news.

[anxious4]

I too am anxious and scared right now.
This is my first time finding this sight.
I was told I have a "suspicious lesion". I had an ultrasound last week, and am now having a biopsy next friday. I can't eat sleep I am so afraid. I have not really even been told what looked suspicious on the ultrasound. I did see what looked like a black circle. Any advice you could give would be great
thank you

[Montana girl 06]

I always like to get a copy of the radiologists report so that I know what's going on. The wording can be alarming, so prepare yourself. I was told they often add, "Cannot rule out malignancy" for anything suspicious. It's also a good idea to keep these reports for future reference, especially if they need to follow a lesion or calcifications for 6 months or so. Then you can compare the reports for yourself. I do understand why you are anxious and wish we could meet face to face to support each other. But, that's not possible so instead I will keep you in my prayers.

[LynneBrooke]

I am praying for each and every one of you (and myself) too.  I believe there is a God that answers prayer.  Sometimes He says yes right away, sometimes He says later on, but each of us that believes in Him will ultimately find healing, now or in the place he has planned for us.  Having a "prayer partner" was a life-saver for me.  We prayed for her surgery and mine, and are praying for each one on this site as well as other cancer sites.  God bless us every one...

[laure113]

My heart goes out to you. I understand the fear all too well. Is there anyone you can lean on? We're here, waiting for us and for you. I'm praying for you.

[laure113]

Again, I am so grateful for this site. It took a lot to get myself to work today. The dread takes my breath away. I have to admit to taking xanax to get me here. I had to change my bandage from the biopsy and my hands wouldn't stop shaking. Knowing there is another cluster they didn't biopsy is really bothering me. Just get through today. One minute at a time, inhale, exhale.
I don't know any of you, yet you're my sisters and I pray for all of us. God bless you all and thank you.