microcalcification questions

francksgirl

To put your mind at ease............I would have a 2nd opinion. You will be freaking out for the next 6 months wondering if something is wrong or not. Can they do an ultrasound??? Not trying to scare you, but that is how my girlfriend found out she had breast cancer......she was 41........she's a nurse, and they told her to wait.....she demanded an ultrasound...and thats how they found her cancer. What they say is also right too.......that having in both breast does lower your chances for having breast cancer. I would just get a 2nd opinion, so you can have more answers.....so you can for sure put your mind at ease!!

MelissaDallas

A Bi-Rads 3 has a fewer than 2% chance of being cancer.

Koala1

Hi Deb,

Yes it is unfortunate that some people just don't understand what stress and anxiety it can cause, but can only think what if this was happening to them or a family member I am sure their attitude would change but have to come realise that the important thing that I have the people I want to have around me and they give me enough love and support unconditionally.

My Mum battled for 4 yrs with her Breast Cancer  (she was 66) and what the hardest thing was that there was no family history of anyone having it and now I may have it myself, depending on the outcome tomorrow when I got back and see my doctor for the results of my 2nd Biopsy.

I lost my Dad about 17 months after Mum ( he was 71) he died of Lung and Liver Cancer there was no signs of him being sick, he was unwell on a Wednesday taken to hospital on the Thursday, Diagnosed on the Friday and Passed away on the Tuesday.. was devastated but knowing that he was back with Mum made it easier and I think that is what he wanted he was totally lost without her, they were married for 47 years.

When I was having the biopsy done I was calm and good but once I saw that scalpel got a little nervous thats why I said just keep going, In my head I was just saying get this over with.

The next 24hrs are going to be so slow but once tomorrow morning comes I can find out what is going and deal whatever the outcome will be..

Take Care and God Bless xx

debmc1958

Sorry to hear about your parents. That was really quick for your father, must have been quite a shock. I don't know about you but I do miss my mom when this stuff is going on. Silly for a 54 year old woman I guess. But it is a strange feeling to be sick and have no parents. I don't know why. I guess because they took care of us. I hope tomorrow you don't have to wait too long. and of course for good news.

Beesie

westernskyaz, it's important to know that about 50% of women develop calcifications, and about 95% are benign. As MelissaDallas mentioned, a BIRADs 3 means that the radiologist assesses that there is a less than 2% chance that your calcs may be cancer.  I've had many BIRADs 3 and after one or two follow-ups, all have been moved down to BIRADs 2 and I've been back to regular screening.  So I've been able to avoid a number of unnecessary biospies.

In the worst case, if you are in the <2% group and your calcs are a sign of breast cancer, calcifications generally represent DCIS, which is a pre-invasive cancer.  In most cases, DCIS, and even invasive cancer, is slow-growing.  Most of the time it's believed that the cancer has been in the breast for anywhere from 3 years to 10 years before it even becomes large enough to be seen on the screen.  This is why a 6 month wait, when the likelihood of cancer is so low, presents such a low risk.  Even in the <2% chance that cancer is found, there is little chance that the cancer would progress during this time. I can think of a couple of women on the board who have been diagnosed after their 6 month follow-up; in both cases that I'm thinking of, the diagnosis was DCIS - Stage 0 breast cancer.

As for whether or not you would worry over the 6 months, that's really a question of your personality.  I take it as good news when the radiologist tells me that a 6 month follow-up is all I need, rather than a biopsy.  So I'm happy with that news, and I don't have any problem getting through the 6 months.  It's hard to wait a week or two for results or a test because over such a short time, it always stays in the back of your mind.  But over 6 months?  You go on with your life and you forget about it.  Or at least, I do.  So that's where I disagree with francksgirl when she says that "You will be freaking out for the next 6 months wondering if something is wrong or not."  Lots of women get BIRADs 3 and have 6 month follow-ups and most are able to manage it with no problem.

I also disagree about the ultrasound.  Well, not completely.  Having an ultrasound may a good idea but you should know that ultrasounds are notoriously bad at 'seeing' calcifications so it's unlikely that the ultrasound will add any information.  But having an ultrasound might provide the reassurance that nothing else seems to be going on.

francksgirl, I realize that your intent is not to scare westernskyaz, but in hearing the story of your friend, how can she not be scared?  Most situations - at least 98% of them - don't turn out like your friend's. Anyone who comes here is already frightened; the way I see, we need to be extra careful to not scare people more by sharing stories of those rare worst-case examples, at least not without also explaining how rare those situations are.

westernskyaz, you need to do what you are comfortable doing.  If getting a 2nd opinion will help ease your mind, then definitely go for one.  I'm certainly not trying to talk you out of that.  But I did want to offer up a bit of a different perspective on what's going on in your situation, as someone who's been through it many times myself and from having here on the board for over 7 years.

One other thing that I want to mention.  It appears from your post that you don't have any first degree relatives (parents or siblings) who've had breast cancer or ovarian cancer, but with 3 second & third degree relatives with early onset breast cancer or ovarian cancer, you might want to ask your doctor about getting referral to a genetic counsellor.  A counsellor would be able to assess your risk and advise you on whether or not genetic testing might make sense to see if you are higher risk.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Koala1

Thankyou Deb, yes it was a total shock for everyone at least he didn't suffer like my Mum did, but when she passed away this strange feeling came over me and it was like she had taken all the weight off my shoulders as my family turned to me being the only girl to help my Father and 4 Brothers get through it.

Oh believe me hun I miss my parents everyday and never a day goes by that I don't think about them and how much I need them right now but I do believe they are with me helping in some way just to get through the day with all this waiting, it doesn't matter how old you are hun when you are going through something like this of course you would want your Mum around, they have a way of making everything ok, their gentle loving words of encouragement and those special hugs they give I just miss that sooo much.

My appointment is in the morning and I guess I won't be getting much sleep tonight haven't been for a few days now wondering what the outcome is going to be, if there is no Caner present then we will be very happy and get back to normality, if it goes the other way my Husband and I have already discussed what we would do and that is to have both my breasts removed, he said that it wouldn't make me any less of a woman and that he loved me unconditionally..couldn't of asked for a more loving and supportive man in him.

I have even been having thoughts that if no cancer is present I would still consider having both breasts removed as a precaution because I don't want them showing up somewhere else in either breasts and going through all this again, do you think that this is a advisable thing to do? or am I over reacting?

Take care

Beesie

Koala, wait until you get the biopsy report before you start thinking about removing your breasts prophylactically.

Your previous lump sounds as though it was a cyst.  Cysts are very common and completely harmless and don't increase breast cancer risk.  Let's see what these calcs are.  If they are benign, harmless calcs, then they too are very common (50% of women get calcs) and they don't increase risk. Your mother had BC, but if she was diagnosed post-menopausally, then that too might not increase your risk at all, or certainly not by much.

Right now you are scared, and that's understandable.  But if it turns out that your conditions are normal conditions that don't increase risk (or at least not by much), then it is certainly an over-reaction to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.  Women often think that a BMX is the solution.  You don't have to worry about breast cancer ever again and that's the end of all your problems.  Not so.  First of all, while a BMX significantly reduces breast cancer risk, it doesn't eliminate it.  And a BMX is major surgery that can significantly impact your body and affect you for the rest of your life. You are trading one set of worries and problems for what might be another set of worries and problems. For someone who is very high risk, the after-effects from the surgery may very well be worth it, but someone who is average or moderate risk really should understand what's involved with a PBMX before thinking it's the solution.

debmc1958

I don't think you are overreacting, who wouldn't want to be rid of something that creates fear and uncertainty? I refuse to even touch my breasts much less do an exam until I take my upcoming vacation! But, that said, you'd need a whole lot more information to make that decision. I'm glad your husband is there for you and is so supportive.

I'm glad you don't think it's silly to miss my mom. She too had such a hard road and a lot of the emotional and financial responsibilty fell on me as her power of attorney. Although I was relieved that she was no longer suffering and also selfishly relieved that I would no longer be consumed by the situation, I didn't realize how much I'd miss her.

When I got my own good news, I stopped coming here. Then, I found the lump. I've determined that I need to keep coming here, it will help me deal with these issues and I think it's important too for women to realize not everyone ends up being told it's breast cancer. I am on a six month follow up so not sure what the future will hold. But for now, I am ok.

I hope you get all good results - if so, never mind getting back to normal - go do something fabulous! I know what you mean though, normal looks really good.

Koala1

Thankyou Bessie,

Honestly I don't think I even know what I am saying or thinking of the late I guess this waiting, stress, worry and not getting much sleep is getting the better of me, I will just wait for my results tomorrow and once that is done and know the outcome will take it from there.

Thankyou

Koala1

Deb, I often check my breasts before getting into the shower or just lying in bed, that is how I found the first lump which turned out to be just breast tissue, somehow I must of knocked it or something because there was bruising on the outside skin area that was the radiologists conclusion and that lump has now gone, but I will take both yours and bessies advice and look a lot further into making such a decision as in having my breasts removed, I guess I am just scared because when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer the head of Oncology at the Hospital said seeing that I am direct bloodline and her only daughter that I am at a high risk of getting it myself, that has always been in the back of my head and now it might be a possibility but yes will wait for the results definately..

I was relieved too that she was no longer suffering and wasn't in anymore pain and watching what she was going through was hard to comprehend, I don't think anyone realises how much they miss someone until they are gone because no matter how old we are we never want our parents to leave us and when that day came it hit hard.

I will definately still be coming in here whatever the outcome will be, its so nice to hear from other ladies what they have or are going through even though they are from different countries around the world its nice to find out how they are going and coping and offer each other support, I have only been in here or a little while but have found yours and other ladies comments very reassuring and comforting and I thankyou for that

Thankyou don't worry you will find out, and yes normal how sometimes I don't like normal, doing the same thing day after day, my hubby and I only get Sundays to do something as he works fulltime during the week  and I work shift work from wed to saturdays.. but he is one for routine as he is a former Paralympian Cyclist and retired after the Beijing Paralympic Games but I am slowly getting him out of it..lol.. he still likes to be somewhere on time but I can understand seeing that he was doing his cycling for 20yrs... and 6 Paralympic Games, working, training schedules, gym, charity functions etc, he once said while training for the Beijing Games to a newspaper reporter that he sees more his bike than he does me..lol.. but we are making up for it now even moreso with what is going on.

Take Care and God Bless x

debmc1958

I can see how all that training would make it hard to just chill out and have some down time.

It just makes me feel so much better that if God forbid, my calcifications grow and I need treatment, I can come here. That stupid lump popping up after I was just given the all clear makes it hard for me to believe I am really ok. I'm working on that though. I will resume breast checks after vacation but for now I just need that vacation!

Today I have a regular run of the mill problem to deal with -  my plumbing backed up last night. I am still waiting for the plumber to show up. Normally, that would give me fits but it is just so much better than waiting for test results. People lived without toilets for a long time after all haha. I know someone that I graduated high school with who lived in a dry cabin in Alaska for four years!  This is new to me, not sweating the small stuff. And this could mean my septic is shot. So what? I'll either find the money to fix it or I'll figure something else out. There's an odd sense of freedom that comes of facing one's mortality I think.

Koala1

I went back to my Doctor yesterday and she confirmed that there was no Cancer found in my Microcalcifications, am so relieved but as a precaution she has requested that I have the area of concern surgically removed due to my Family history of my Mum having Breast Cancer, the Doctor I am booked into see on the 27th of this month is the same doctor who did the lumpectomy on my Mum so I know I am in good hands.

I am off work this week due to having a Hematoma in my right breast where they did the biopsy and should be back at work next week but on light duties as I am still under treatment from my Doctor and she doesn't want me doing anymore more damage to my breast because the work I do is physical, but I think work is more understanding now but then again tuff if they are not..

I am getting back into the swing of things of everyday activities and my emotions and stress levels have eased but just 1 more hurdle to get over then I will be 100%, I couldn't thank my Doctor enough without her persistance and being so professional and thorough I don't think I could have got through this without her, yes I have had all the support and love from my family and friends but getting that from a Doctor also is truly heartwarming.

Will keep you updated on my progress and I will still be popping in to have a chat as I have found that you ladies are so inspirational with your words of support and encouragement and I am truly Thankful to you all also.. May your days be blessed with Happiness and Love, Take care of each other and keep Smiling xoxox

debmc1958

very happy to hear your news! Sorry about the hematoma, I had that happen with one of my thyroid biopsies. I think having the microcalcifications removed will give you better peace of mind. When mine came back BIRADS 4, I was going to push for removal rather than biopsy but ended up getting a second opinion that they were benign and come back in six months. For some reason, I am more comfortable with removing the area of concern rather than the biopsy. Glad all's well that ends well with you and sorry you had to go through 2 x the stress but glad you found a doctor you like and trust.

kmh1964

This is making me panic. So if calcifications can be more than DCIS, how bad can it be? Can it be stage 3 or 4? I don't have a mass if that makes any difference.

Peacetoallcuzweneedit

Hi kmh - Try not to panic....I am not sure your history. Typically calcifications are related to DCIS - stage 0 and non invasive. However DCIS can be diagnosed alongside/with an invasive cancer. I did not have any masses either, but I did have an invasive cancer found on my final pathology. The staging depends on if the invasive cancer has left the breast...and any invasive cancer can...however the smaller the size of the invasion when found the lesser the chance, typically- however aggressive nature of the cancer is a factor as well. DCIS is not invasive, nor will it ever be - it does not move out of the ducts. DCIS can be nonpalpable - and so can invasive cancers - because all that means is the patient or provider can not palpate the actual lump/area....etc.

I do not know where you are in the process of diagnosing what your calcifications are related to, but it is very normal for women to get calcs as they age....it is the shape of the calcs which show on a mammogram that tend to signify that there may be a problem.

kmh there are great education tools on this site about staging/DCIS/etc....try to search those in the topics.....try not to panic....it all can be scary - I know....sending calm vibes your way.

drmemartin

Hello everyone... so happy to have found this site. I had my annual mammogram Thursday and got a call within the hour that I needed to come back for a magnitifcation... I ended up going back this past Friday morning and then met with the radiologist, who said that she found microcalcifications that weren’t there last year and she wanted to do a stereo biopsy first thing Monday morning. I then spent the weekend conducting a literature review on microcalcifications and came up with a list of questions... her answers: I have many microcalcifications, that are clustered, dense in color, with mild branching, and there was no sign of them last year. My BIRAID is 4 and when I asked if she rated 4’s a, b, or c, she said she’d describe them as “worrisome” but followed up with how most are b9... I’m trying not to be anxious, but I’m not sure what to think... I can’t find any information about microcalcifications that form within a year and if those are more troublesome... I know “it is what it is” but I find myself wanting to become an expert in this area, researching every possible angle...! Not sure if that’s good or bad. A part of me just wants to sit still and not move an inch until I get the results... unfortunately that’s not possible as i have a full time job... thanks for “listening” and I welcome any info and/or wisdom...:

marie5890

Hi drmem, and welcome.

Only a biopsy can tell you what is what, as I am sure you know. What is most likely coming to the radiologist mind when it comes to "worrisome" is something called DCIS, which is non-invasive cancer, known as stage 0. Some doctors don't even see it as cancer, but more of a pre-cancer.

So, if it does come back positive, it has been caught at the earlier stage. Infact, many time, DCIS never becomes invasive. If you feel a need to study up on "something" while you wait, go to the "DCIS" forum and you will get a run down

Here is a link to a thread called "a layperson's guide to DCIS"....It was put together by a woman who was Dx-ed with it. She put all of her findings and research into the original post to help educate women who find themselves with this diagnosis.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

drmemartin

Thank you! I am a professor (of social work, not anything medically related), which means I have access to the medical academic databases...not necessarily a good thing, in fact, at this point, probably downright dangerous (ha)...I'm not typically a worrier, but in the vein of "knowledge is power" I have read far too much, and my mind is now complete mush. I will definitely keep you posted...I'm supposed to hear Thursday or Friday...Michelle

djmammo

drmemartin

Knowledge may be power but a collection of seemingly related facts from the internet is not knowledge. It is this false sense of being well informed imparted to us by the internet that is "downright dangerous". Real knowledge without experience is also problematic. Searching the web seems to be the chief cause of anxiety for members of this forum.

That being said, this site http://breast-cancer.ca/ is probably the most organized collection of reliable information on breast cancer diagnosis on the web. It is specifically written for patients by someone who is well qualified to do so in a manner that does not require years of post graduate education for it to make sense.

I would not pay attention to any breast cancer websites not affiliated with a university, a well established medical journal, or that has ads for Viagra, mattresses or online dating services.