microcalcifications and stereo biopsy

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Mrsbaker
Mrsbaker Member Posts: 11
edited June 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

Hello,

I had a routine screening mammogram june 13 and was called back for magnified images and ultrasound. When i asked my family doctor why (because the hospital where I had the mammo done didn't give me any info), he said there was a small area of change, not being classified as cancer. Phew, that made me feel a bit better. Went in June 25th for the additional views and u/s and was told that there are microcalcifications that they would like to biopsy. I'm trying not to freak out, but it's really hard as I already have health anxiety issues. The tech who told me the results after my callback said, that they do come back b9 for calcifications, but they can't be sure without doing the biopsy and that if there are more than 5, they automatically recommend the biopsy. So, apparently I have more than five. Does the number make it more serious? I guess so. I asked if they saw any masses in the u/s and she said no. They had me do the u/s to see if there was any masses to do the biospy of, but because there wasn't I'm being booked to a stereostatistic biopsy. When I pressed her, she said if it was cancer, it is "in situ" and that I was getting way ahead of myself.

I'm trying to find that balance between not worrying (borrowing worry) and obsessing, and preparing myself for a possible outcome.

Some background, I had a core biopsy 7 years ago for what turned out to be a benign, complex cyst that since has disappeared on it own. I was followed with yearly mammos that showed no change, and this has been my first call back.

I guess back to my original question, is having 5 or more calcifications more worrysome?

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited June 2018

    My understanding is it's more the shape/pattern of the microcalcifications than the number. Nothing for you to worry about yet, so try to stay calm. If it is something like DCIS, it's easily dealt with.

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  • Mrsbaker
    Mrsbaker Member Posts: 11
    edited June 2018

    Thank you so much for your reply! I'm trying. This place really is a god send. I'm staying off google.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited June 2018

    Most of us develop calcifications as we age. It is when they appear in specific patterns (grouped, linear, etc.) that they MAY indicate something going on. MAY is the operative word here, because they can be benign as well. It is just prudent to biopsy the area. Sometimes they can indicate DCIS.

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  • Mrsbaker
    Mrsbaker Member Posts: 11
    edited June 2018

    Thanks for your reply Melissa. Just wanted to add that I just turned 42. So, I'm aging, but not yet old I do remember my doctor telling me they were on a previous mammogram, that one from 7 years ago with the cyst, but focus back then was the cyst which ended up b9. Anyways, it is hard not to worry. I sometimes feel like I have no one to talk to you because I don't want to worry my husband or mom, you know. So I just let on that I'm fine. Tough predicament to be in. And I know the same for my husband. It's like we both don't talk about it.

    And I know there is no "it" yet. I won't know anything until the biopsy. It'll either be good or bad. The waiting is the worst. I just want to prepare myself for the worst you know so it's not such a shock I guess.

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  • momallthetime
    momallthetime Member Posts: 1,575
    edited June 2018

    mrsbaker, my DD had linear microcalcifications, 7, so she had the biopy and it was b9. But ask for the report. It's yours. Tehn if you'd like you could post it on "interpreting your report" here, and ppl will help you. Also, you could then find for yourself on the internet, and even in BCO more info.

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  • 88tina88
    88tina88 Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2018

    I just went through almost the exact same thing. I had a calc that they were watching (for a few years if I recall correctly) and then at my most recent mammogram they said there were more, and I needed a stereo biopsy. I am 43. They did not tell me the number but the radiologist said there was "possibly greater than 50% chance" it was benign, which I knew was an odd statistic... I believe it's more like 80% unless they see some specific pattern in the mammogram. So that was concerning.

    Anyway. I had the biopsy, and they removed about 6 cores. while I waited for the results I looked up the exact wording on my mammogram report to my doctor and it said "cluster" of calcs which some googling told me was one of the words you don't want to see. By this time I was planning my reconstructive surgery and how to tell my coworkers, etc.. I tend to overthink things as some kind of coping mechanism!

    So the results came Monday. It was a radial scar, no atypical cells or anything concerning besides that. But... apparently radial scars can be associated with cancerous cells in some way and they recommended removal. It seems odd to me that it would appear in a 6 month time frame- wasn't there at my last mammo. So now I'm tasked with finding a surgeon and hopefully the results will again be B9.

    For the record, the stereo biopsy was easy. It's a lot of lying around in a weird position and I had some minor issues after because my blood doesn't clot correctly (need to figure that out before the next surgery!) but it WASN'T BAD. I kept telling myself, just show up and let them do their jobs. They were super nice.

    tina

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  • momallthetime
    momallthetime Member Posts: 1,575
    edited June 2018

    88tina88 glad to hear it's b9, you are doing excision biopsy? Ther is a thread for lumpectomy it's very helpful. Best is for you to get the report in your hands so you have all the details for yourself. Hoping for b9

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited June 2018

    My stereotactic biopsy was terrible. It seems to vary quite a lot. I'm glad yours wasn't a big deal.

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  • 88tina88
    88tina88 Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2018

    Ksusan- I'm sorry your biopsy was terrible. I've definitely read some stories that I am glad I hadn't read before mine, because I would have been terrified. That's why I made a point to say mine was ok.

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  • Puzzlewoman
    Puzzlewoman Member Posts: 171
    edited June 2018

    Hello, just wanted to offer my sympathy, especially at someone telling you you’re getting ahead of yourself. They’re trying to make you feel better, but what an awful way to do it! I did stay away from google too at that time, that was a good thing. I knew I couldn’t have my husband or my mom with me at the biopsy appt - they’re too close to me and I would worry more about them. I needed someone else who I knew I could just lean on; thankfully my cousin and good friend was able to come. Mine wasn’t easy or terrible, but the nurse and tech and dr were so nice and understanding of my anxiety
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