Breast Microcalcifications...question

Ladybug23

Hi...I recently had two mammograms which showed microcalcifications in my right breast.  The radiologist did not specify shape, size or distribution.  She explain that I would need a Stereotactic Biopsy and that 80% come back benign.  I did have the biopsy last week and should be recieving the results by Tuesday.  The biopsy went very smooth.  I asked what category the calcifications fell into (BI-RADS) and I was told that we wouldn't know until we had the pathology report. I felt as though the information I had recieved was a little vague but I also understand that we do have to wait for the report for a definitive answer. 

I obtained a copy of the mammogram report, the report is somewhat vague as well.  The findings: There are indeterminate calcifications which appear to be in a ductal distribution 6 O'Clock middle to posterior right breast. BI-RADS Category 4. 

Everything that I have read suggests that a ductal distribution is a clear sign of breast cancer.  This might be a silly question but can anyone tell me if benign calcifications can also form a ductal distribution as well.

Thanks so much.

momoschki

A bi-rads 4 classification is one that requires a biopsy, and that rating is clearly stated on your msmmogram report, do I don't understand your doctor's explanation of needing to wait for the pathology report.



FWIW, I had a similar constellation of micro calcifications, and while the findings were benign, they showed ADH, which, while not technically cancer, is abnormal cells that put me at higher risk for developing cancer (20-25%.). So there was good news and not so good news.

debandjace1

Good Morning. I am also going through this very same thing re: breast microcalcifications. I was diagnosed with that 5 years ago but this time they are requesting I have a stereotactic core needle biopsy. This is a learning process for me too, I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. Good luck and I hope you receive good news. God Bless.

Ladybug23

Thank you so much for response it really helps!  I'm not sure why the doctor said that either because I read that so many women were given a category. It just made me even more concerned that she might be holding back which made me get a copy of my report which was probably a big mistake on my part because it has made me even more crazy...lol.

Thanks again for your help.

ballet12

Years ago, I had calcifications in a linear array (a line), which would indicate that they were in a ductal distribution.  I think this was even before they used the BIRADS system.  The radiologist was certain it was DCIS, which is what often presents in this manner.  Like other posters on this thread, I ultimately received a diagnosis of ADH and ALH, atypical ductal and lobular hyperplasia, both pre-cancerous conditions, which put one at risk for cancer.  This was actually determined by an excisional biopsy rather than stereotaxic biopsy, again, before they did these things. 

17 years later, I have now actually gotten the DCIS diagnosis, and thankfully nothing more.

Best of luck.

Ladybug23

Thank you so much, debandjace1. I truly hope that everything goes well for you too!

itsjustme10

BI-RADS is a subjective rating scale, and it's presence or absence on your report doesn't affect anything.  It doesn't tell you anything, other than how your radiologist saw whatever it is he saw.  Don't get hung up on meaningless stuff like that - have your biopsy and hope for the best.

Whomever you asked probably thought you meant what the pathology showed by your question, and, if so, the answer you got is correct.

There's a lot of terminology to learn - but one thing I have learned over this past year and a half is that only a biopsy can tell you what is in there - anything else is an educated guess - very educated in most cases, quite accurate in many cases, but a guess nonetheless.

Google is a decent search engine, but a really bad diagnostician, so for your own sanity, you probably want to put off reading too much unless and until you have to.  Hopefully you'll be part of the 80%, and don't need new knowledge.

debandjace1

Good Morning Ladybug23,

I had kept your post nearby because our symptoms seem similar. I hope you don't mind me asking about your further symptoms but I was wondering if youv'e experienced any pain/soreness under your arm. I've been experiencing muscle soreness? Hope all is well for you. Please keep in touch.

Ladybug23

Thank you ballet12 for sharing with me and very happy to hear that you are doing well!

Ladybug23

Itsjustme10...thank you for the advice as you are 110% correct.  I did keep my fingers away from the keyboard last night and today:-)

ballet12

Well, I'm now being treated for DCIS, which involves surgery and radiation and hormonal therapy, but yes, compared to other alternatives, I'm doing well.  My point was that it took 17 years to progress from the ADH to the DCIS.

Ladybug23

Hi debandjace1...honestly I have not had any aches or soreness related to my breast or underarm.  I am so glad you are going for the biopsy, it will be painless the hardest part is waiting for the results.  I will be thinking of you!

debandjace1

Hi Ladybug23, I understand you had your biopsy already. What time is your appointment tomorrow. Please let me know your results. I will pray for you that it is good news (B9 ) - I'm new to the website but it sounds like B9 is what we all want to have!!! God Bless.

Ladybug23

Hi debandjace1...I apologize that I am just getting back to you but it been a busy couple of days.  I did recieve my results and it is DCIS.  I really do not have more information than that at this point, I will be meeting with the surgeon next week. Please know I'm thinking of you and pray for benign results for you:-)

susanjg

Hi, I to am going through the same situation (not understanding calcifications etc.)  I had an ultrasaound core biopsy on Jan 2nd and am still waiting my results .  They say 7 to 10 days and I will patiently wait as I'm so humbled by the number of women with the same fears I have on this site. 

My GP seems to offer me little information so if anyone can understand the following or suggest the right questions to ask the specialist it would be greatly appreciated.  This is all the info I have so far:

There are scattered fibroglandular densities.

In interiero left breast 5 to 6 oclock position there is an elongated collection of adjacent lobulated and round isodence masses.  These contain pieomorphic calcifications which extend posteriorly towards the chest wall.  Overal the area of involvement is 4cm AP diameter.  Sonographically at 5 oclock 3 cm from the nipple there is a 14 x 7 x10 mm midly irregular hypoechoic mass mildly ill defined margins.  There is a ductal extension towards the nipple.  At 2 oclock 6 cm from the nipple there is a circumscribed 6x3x6mm well defined hypoechoic mass which is likely benign.  Ultrasound of the left axilla shows no suspicious findings.  Highly suspicious mass and calcifications 5 to 6 oclock left breast and ultrasound guided core biopsy is recommended.  Bi-rads 5.

Ultrasound finding at 1 oclock left breast is likely benign and can be reassessed in six months with left breast ultrasound Birads 3.

So I've had the biopsy...........and now waiting, waiting, waiting for the results.  My happy optimistic nature is failing and every ache and pain I have I attribute to my breast.......any suggestions???

Ladybug23

I can completely relate to your feelings about waiting. This is all new to me and unfortunately I don't know much myself and by no means am I doctor to advise you in the right way. My only suggestion that I feel will help you most is for you to copy and paste everything you wrote and start your own topic on this site. You will be amazed at the support and answers you will get from ladies who have been through this or are going through this. Having the responses did help me.

I wish all the best for you and hope my suggestion to post your topic will help ease your worries while you wait but you have to remain optimistic and try not to lose that while you wait. 

debandjace1

Ladybug23 how are you doing. I got a cleared biopsy reading. Thinking of you and hopes that you will say the same. God bless.