HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Calcification in Breast

Support Forums
>
Breast Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/14/2008 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Just last week I went to the radiologist for second views on something they called suspicious. After two more views were taken a nurse?? came in to tell me that the doctor would be calling me. They couldn't tell me there. The doctor called later and said the radiologist saw calcification with patterns that were worrisome and they recommended a biospy. My gyn suggested a second opinion which I am going for on Wednesday. I am a nervous wreck. I have also had dense/calcifications before but this is the first time it sounds serious. Has anyone every had a similiar experience.

Thanks,

Linda

Posted 7/14/2008 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
This is what Imaginis.com has to say about calcifications.

"Calcifications (also called microcalcifications) are mineral deposits in the breast that may be caused by dried-up secretions, trauma to the breast, resorbed blood, or dead tissue cells. These small calcium deposits are often found in clusters by a mammogram. Dietary calcium levels do not have any relationship to breast calcifications. If a woman has calcifications in the breast she may continue calcium supplements which can be helpful in preventing bone loss, osteoporosis and fracture. Calcifications are not equivalent to cancer. But they are signs of changes within the breast, and certain patterns of calcifications can be associated with cancer or benign breast disease."

A second opinion is never a bad idea. But the only way to know whether this is something to worry about is a biopsy. We always get our panties in a knot when the medical people tell us something is suspicious or worrisome, but until you know there is something to worry about try to remain optimistic. I don't mean to trivialize your concern, but there is not much worry can do right now. Please keep us posted on what you find out. We are always here for you. Hugs, Lauri 

Posted 7/14/2008 10:43 AM (GMT 0)

What kind of biopsy should I be advocating for? After researching iI sounds like the only fullproof one is surgury? Would you agree?

Thanks, Linda

Posted 7/14/2008 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
Yes the surgical biopsy is best in my humble opinion. It is day surgery and not too traumatic. Lauri's advice is right, don't worry until you know you have something to worry about. We'll help all we can when you get some answers. It is always a good idea to get copies of your path results, test results, etc. and keep them in a safe place. What may be benign now could change in ten years and if you have the report you will know if it is the same area, etc. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my daughter also was diagnosed, I sent back for earlier reports and found that ten years before my benign lump was in the cancer site. Drs used to keep reports and details from their patients, but today you are allowed to know all the details and have copies. Hugs MK
Posted 7/14/2008 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
had the same suspicious arrangement of microcalcifications in my left breast some years ago.... had choice of waiting and watching or having them out. was to be a needle biopsy, but they wound up taking a piece the size of an egg to remove them. still have them, but no change has been seen in some years. linda
Posted 7/14/2008 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your support. I was also wondering if there is a difference between regular mammo's (x-ray and the digital mammo's they do? It would seem that the digital gives better views. Do you agree?
Linda
Posted 7/15/2008 1:32 AM (GMT 0)

The digital does give a clearer and more precise picture. The spot I have would never have been seen on the old mammo's. I'm wondering why they didn't do an ultrasound as well since they saw something suspicious?

Gail

Posted 7/15/2008 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know, but I am quite anxious for Wednesday. I have recently moved within the last year and called today to get my old films sent to the surgeon. I have a feeling these may have been there for some time and because the technology is not quite as good as the digital, they didn't pick up on it. This makes me nervous too because I wonder how long it really has been there. Having this time to think is not good either. I'm getting more and more anxious. It's good to have people to talk to.
Thanks, Linda
Posted 7/15/2008 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
There is some excellent information on mammograms at www.imaginis.com. I would suggest you check it out. Really good solid, reliable information. Good luck on Wednesday. We will be with you in spirit. Hugs, Lauri
Posted 7/17/2008 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Saw the surgeon today. She recommended a full excisional biopsy. I am scheduled for surgury next Thursday. Thank god I'm a teacher and have the summer, otherwise I would be taking lots of time from work. I guess I'm glad this is happening now rather than later. The doctor did say my microcalcifications were indeterminate. They could go either way....so she said get rid of them. The thing is they can come back.....oh boy. Can you all tell me what to expect for the surgery/
Thanks, Linda
Posted 7/17/2008 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
I'm scheduled for surgery on the 4th I was scheduled for the 14th but it was cancelled because of not being off my medications long enough and the doctor going on vacation. I just saw him yesterday and he said within 48 hrs it should be well on it's way to healing and I could shower and go swimming if I want. It's the guided wire that has to be done first that has me worried not the surgery itself. I expect to go back to work the next day. Other than that I'm as blind as you are with what to expect. Best of luck to you and try not to worry.
Gail
Posted 7/17/2008 9:04 AM (GMT 0)
Linda, please let us know how everthing goes. I'll keep you in by prayers for B9 findings.
Gail
Posted 7/17/2008 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you!! Linda
Posted 7/25/2008 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Had the surgery yesterday, I'm glad it's over!!!!! Just a little sore. The worst part was the headache after. They said it was possibly from dehydration.  Now will wait on the results till next Wednesday, In some ways I think that's the hardest part.

Linda

Posted 7/27/2008 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Linda, I agree, waiting is the hardest part! Let us know how the tests come out. I am sending positive thoughts and B9 B9 B9!
Gail
Posted 7/31/2008 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Checked in with the surgeon today and everything came back benign-fibrocystic. Will check back with her in 6 months. I think I will sleep tonight for the first time in awhile. Thank you all for your positive thoughts!!!!
Posted 8/1/2008 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
That is fantastic news!  So glad you won't be joining our group. 
Posted 8/1/2008 8:22 PM (GMT 0)

Very good news Mookie! So glad to hear it.

Gail

Posted 8/2/2008 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all;

I usually do not post here but thought I'd put in my two cents about this thread. Hope I do not anger anyone with this post but I thought I would tell you that I too have Benign fibroid cysts now and then. I have had four removed from right breast. Doc said something about the density of the breast tissue causes this or something alike to that. He said the only thing I can do is to keep my reg checks every year and of course do my own self checks each month which I have. He also said that if I take 2 Vit E a day and drink decaf drinks that it will decrease over time, which I do this on a reg basis.

My grandmother had breast cancer at a very young age so I am very cautious about making sure that I do not come up with this problem. Since I have small breasts it seems that I am susceptible to this problem and I have enough ills over the last 8 years to handle without worrying about breast cancer too boot.

Wishing you all the best of health and I am sorry for your ills as well. Wish there was some miracle cure for ya'll's diseases. I walk for my grandmother every year in the local breast cancer walk even though I usually cannot make it very far with my back like it is but hubby encourages me with every step I take and when I stop he is right there with lots of praise :-)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply