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Pleomorphic calcifications

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Posted 8/25/2005 10:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I just got back my narrative from my magnified mamogram stating that I have numerous fine calcifications on both upper outer quadrants of my breasts.  What I want more information about is the word pleomorphic which they stated that the right side was more pleomorphic than the left.  Does this make it more suspitious for cancer.  The radioligist said this could "very well be benign" due to hormonal changes with pregnancy and breastfeeding during the past two years but stero biopsy is needed to rule out malignancy.  I have my biopsy scheduled for next Thursday.  I am really frightened about breast cancer.  Please give your insight as to what the radiologist told me.  I am birad - 4.  Does pleomorphic put me higher than the 20% statistic that they give women doing these biopsies?  What exactly does this word mean.   Thanks  Molly

Posted 8/25/2005 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
Molly-
I am not sure, but you may want to try going to Google and putting pleomorphic calcifications to see what it says. I think the root "morphic" has to do with changes.

And if it does turn out to be cancer, remember it is very treatable. Frightening, no doubt, but you'll handle it just fine, and we'll be here to help.
Lori
Posted 8/26/2005 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Molly,
I don't have an answer for you. I just want to send positive vibes for b-9 results.
Best wishes
Michelle
Posted 8/26/2005 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
After six years of being on a breast cancer internet group, this is the first time I have heard this terminology. I went to Google myself and looked it up. I am not sure exactly still what it is because the references were more where the term was used in text than explanation of it. The Webster Dictionary says that pleo means more....... So from this little bit of information I think your biopsy is very important for you to get some answers. We'll be with you in spirit when you have it done and here to help when you get some more information. Hugs MK
Posted 8/27/2005 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Let me check my new medical dictionary I just bought for my medical terminology class that starts next week.

 

Pleomorphic means.....having many shapes.  I don't know the relevance to this being cancer, though.  Hoping for B9 results.  Let us know the results.

Posted 8/27/2005 4:17 AM (GMT 0)

Molly: I went to NCI (Natl Cancer Institute) and did some research. I had never seen or heard that particular term either. Some of it was way over my head (which doesn't take a lot these days). I couldn't find anything that I understood regarding this word and the stats that you were referring to. Here is the definition that they gave:

Occurring in various distinct forms. In terms of cells, having variation in the size and shape of cells or their nuclei.

So, I would assume that the cells on the right side were more distinctive than the cells on the left side in shape and size. I would call and ask for a explanation.

You can go to this website and they have a specialist that you can talk w/ online.

Don't know if this helped or not.

Hugs and still confused....Deb

Posted 8/28/2005 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
OK I think you guys got the answer. Having many and varied shapes in the calcifications. Interesting. Usually you hear clustered, but not much about shapes. Learn something new everyday don't we? Hugs MK
Posted 8/11/2012 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
I know this is years later but I though I would post for anyone researching their mammography report. I am a mammo tech and I borrowed the radiologists books for an answers on calcifications
Typically benign terminology: vascular, "popcorn", Lucent (hallow),egg shell, bilateral, smooth.
Typically malignant terminology: pleomorphic, fine linear branching, casting, granular, powderish.

In regards to masses or leasions:
Typically benign: mixed density, radiolucent, halo sign,
Typically malignant: spiculated lesions, tent sign, skin/nipple retraction, distinct central mass

Love to anyone forced to read this!!
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