HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

cluster of 20 microcalcifications

Support Forums
>
Breast Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/11/2008 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody -- I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on my current situation.  I'm 36 years old and have 3 children (ages 2 - 8), each of whom I breastfed 18 months.  I had my 1st mammo last week (a "baseline") and have been called back in for a second (tomorrow morning).  From what I understand, I have a cluster of 20 microcalcifications in my left breast.  This also happens to be the same spot where I have been feeling tenderness.  In addition, I have been feeling "twinges" in my left armpit.  One more thought I have is that I took a few rounds of Accutane (strong acne med) when I was younger.  I know I'll be getting more info tomorrow, but I'd love to know what your thoughts are on this scenario.  Any advice on questions I should ask the radiologist?  Should I insist on a biopsy and copies of my records?

Thank you all for being out there...

Posted 7/11/2008 4:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hi jmc! Sorry I did not see your post until now. To give my opinion, yes, I would want a biopsy and  copy of the records. A biopsy is the only 100% way to know. If it is nothing, then you can have peace of mind. If not, them catching it sooner is always better. 80% of lumps are benign so the odds are in your favor, and sometimes microcalcifications can be hiding a lump. If I were you I would insist on a biopsy. Please let us know how it goes at the doctors today, we care!

Hugs, Gail

Posted 7/11/2008 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! Thank you so much for replying. I had the second mammo done today and the radiologist recommended a needle biopsy. Although the microcalcs are "predominantly punctate" (benign), some are not, so they need to check it out. Although she told me 80 - 85% are benign in this situation, she said if they are malignant, due to my age, it would most likely be fast growing. Anyone on the board in their mid 30's ? Any thoughts on needle vs surgical biopsies in this scenario?
Posted 7/11/2008 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
I have always preferred surgical biopsies, regardless. No reason for the needle to miss the appropriate and the troublesom area is always removed so you want get confused again.

Judy
Posted 7/12/2008 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
I had a needle biopsy in 2000 for microcalcifications that showed up under my lumpectomy incision from four years ealier. The needle biopsy was recommended by a surgeon covering for the one who did my lumpectomy because he was on vacation. As soon as he came back he wanted to do a surgical biopsy (even though the needle one was negative) just to be sure nothing was missed. I might as well as had the surgical procedure in the first place and saved the time and (insurance company's) money.JMHO By all means get copies of any pathology reports. Lauri
Posted 7/13/2008 6:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi again! I also agree that a surgical biopsy is the most accurate type. Lot's of women here have had needle biopsies so maybe they will also give their opinion. Let us know how everything goes.
Hugs,
Gail
Posted 7/21/2008 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for replying!  I was out of town last week away from a computer and I was hoping to come back to some responses.  Such a relief that you all are out there.  I'm signed up for a stereotactic needle bio this Wed with the radiologist -- I hope this isn't a stupid move.  I'll certainly keep you all posted... eyes
Posted 8/5/2008 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I am new at this myself. I am 43 and have had many mammograms and on last week i was told that I had Microcalcifactions in my left breast and now i am being scheduled for a biospy. The nurse told me that they are in a clustered form. Some one please help me also because my mother had breast cancer and now i am really afraid. JMC do the biospy because that is the only way to find out. We are here to encourage each other
Posted 8/6/2008 1:40 AM (GMT 0)

Hi

I was called back for a 2nd mammogram for calcifications and  diagnosed with DCIS based on the results of the needle biopsy in May.  I had a lumpecotomy in June and all cancer cells had been removed by the earlier biospy.  This couldn't have been validated w/out the lumpectomy.  Your radiologist may recommend both depending on the results of the needle biopsy.  I am going through a 5 day (2x/day) radiation program- talk to your doctor early about this option- if you qualify, it should be started soon after surgery.  Lots of luck to you- jacki

Posted 8/6/2008 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the information and I will be sure and talk to my doctor early enough.  I will be called on tomorrow about the scheduling of the biospy and I will keep u posted.  Again thanks

Chone

Posted 9/12/2008 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
Checking In

I went for my excisional biopsy on last friday and now I will be going to see the surgeon monday.  The results will be in then.  I am praying for B9 but I am ready for whatever is said.  I have a strong feeling that it was cancerous and they also removed several cysts.  Keep me in your prayers

Chone

Posted 9/12/2008 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
I went for my excisional biopsy on last friday and will receive my results on monday.  I am praying for B9 but is said I am ready to accept.  I have the feeling that it was cancerous because of the way the films looked, but I will know monday.  Keep me in your prayers.

Chone

Posted 9/12/2008 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I am wishing the best of luck for you. I go for my 2nd Mammogram on Monday. Monday will be a big day for us.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply