Calcifications & MRI

Mumsy

Calcifications & MRI

Mumsy

I am 58 and I just had my annual mammogram and am being asked to do an investigation on my left breast due to calcifications that were not there last year.  I have no insurance to cover this...it would cost me about $1000 to get a more thorough exam....I feel just fine...there are no lumps...although I realize that the calcification  occurs before that...I do not at all feel alarmed...but I am wondering if I really do need to do this as I just had an MRI last October for a disk problem. Does any one have any thoughts on this?

jai1950

I too was dx. with calcifications of my right breast on a routine mammogram.  I had no symtoms but radiologist recommended sterotatic biopsy which showed cancer cells.  Ended up having a right mastectomy.  I am currently on Tamoxifen no chemo or radiation.  By the way I am 58 yo.  I think you should have further testing so if it is cancer they can catch it early.  Just my opinion.  Judy

knowledgeforpower

I also had the finding of calcifiations on my yearly mammogram.  A core biopsy showed I had  ifilitrating ductal carcinoma.  There was no lump to feel on physical exam and the tumor was 8 mm  I am also 58.  I had a lumpectomy, chemo, and will soon start radiation.  You should have further testing as when caught early cancer is very treatable.  Good luck.

junie

I would certainly discuss further with your doctor--by further investigation are they recommending a biopsy?   My radiologist is keeping track of calcifications on both my good boob and the one I had bc in through my mammos.   It is my understanding that MRIs don't pick up calcifications well.  I've had 2 breast MRIs but they were for concerns not related to the calcifications.   It may be nothing, but if it should be, the eariler caught and addressed the easier it will be in the long run!   Best wishes!!

NanaA

What are they recommending you do?  An Mri  for a disk would not show  breast I would not think.  To do breast MRI you lay on stomach with breasts hanging thru opening to be scanned.  Maybe this is the way it is done for disk too,  I have never had one for back.  Did they try an more detailed mammogram or an ultrasound.  Both of those were done on me before we progressed to MRI.  I am grateful that they questioned the original mammogram because my cancer was only a stage 1.  I have done chemo because I am her2+ and am now doing herceptin and start rads July 27. I will do what I can to make sure this does not come back.  Catch it early if you can.  Annette

Anonymous

mumsy--- If they are recommending further follow-up after suspicious calcifications on your yearly mammo, it is usually a spot compression mammo which magnifies the area of suspicion, so they can really evaluate what is going on. Most calcifications turn out to be benign (about 80%), but some can indicate very early stage bc. I'm not sure of the price, but I wouldn't think a diagnostic mammo would be that much more than a regular screening mammo (which is usually about $200); but your local ACS chapter may be able to help you get one for free.  An MRI of your back wouldn't show anything regarding the breasts---a breast MRI involves using a special dedicated breast coil to image just the breast tissue itself. It's better to know what's goin on so you get take care of it in the earliest stages when it is more easily treated. Praying they find nothing more serious.

Anne

peb

i had calcifications but this mammo said that there was a little cluster which was different. had the biopsy and afterwards the radiologist who did the biopsy thought it was  benign. Surprised the next day when  he called and said there was dcis 3mm noninvasive cells. I had a lumpetomy and now just need to have mammo every 6 months on left side.  I think you should go to the next step and get the biopsy.. I am glad that it got caught early for me and you might get lucky too.

Mouser

Hi Mumsy --

Youdo need to follow up. Check if MRI is really the way to go -- a compression mammo or a biopsy are definitely alternatives.

I should mention that I'm somewhat leery of MRI because they have a hi rate of false postivies -- and because 2 MRIs, a year apart, showed nothing in my breast, while a digital mammo just before the 2nd MRI found lots of calcifications. I asked my onc, who explained that MRIs are best for seeing vascularization, mammos are best at showing calcification. He didn't add: but only a biopsy really tells you what's going on. But that is true.

Some states (including IL, where i live) have programs for women without insurance. Or talk with your doctor or the breast clinic how you might manage. But do follow up!