Vascular Calcifications on mammos: Fairly young

CoralClouds
CoralClouds Member Posts: 8
edited October 2020 in Benign Breast Conditions

Hello all,

Before my breast cancer diagnosis a few months ago (things are all good for now!), I have had, since 2008 (age 38 then), noted on many mammograms that there were benign vascular calcifications in the arteries in the breast and the radiologists always question if I'm a smoker, have diabetes, etc...which I'm not and have no other risk factors. They note that it is unusual to see these in women my age (38 then, 50 now). In 2016 I went to get an opinion from a cardiologist and he said that given I have no risk factors (all labs were drawn...all normal) he just said to keep up with lifestyle wellness I went again in 2019 to touch base and again, he didn't recommend statins (my labs again are all normal) just keep up with lifestyle. he did admit that there could be a correlation with imaging on mammograms for vascular calcifications and coronary artery disease but said I was still low-risk??? I decided to go for a second opinion and am waiting to schedule this. Even though I'm deemed 'low risk', I clearly have calcification buildup in some arteries. The question is what is causing it, how to monitor it, and what to do about it. Has anyone been given this report on their mammos at a fairly young age (under 60)? This has actually been in the back of my mind for a long time. And you know, once you get cancer, you're ready for the next shoe to drop.

Would love thoughts and input.

Elena


**No history of stroke on either side. Mother's father was a heavy smoker in the 50s-70s died of a massive heart attack around age 70. My father's brother had a heart issue and died at 56 unrelated to vascular issues. He had some sort of heart defect that back in the 80s he had to live with.


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Comments

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2020

    I still believe it is a cardiovascular issue, not a breast issue. Could you ask the cardiovascular guy to refer you to a vascular surgeon?

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  • CoralClouds
    CoralClouds Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2020

    Yes, but I don't think the cardiologist is going to send me to a vascular surgeon unless it's warranted, no?

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2020

    Or a breast surgeon when it is not warranred, no?

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited October 2020

    I had a different situation but maybe this will help. My cholesterol was creeping up - it sounds like you don't have that problem because you were told your labs were good. My primary physician suggested I get a coronary calcium scan which is a ct scan of your coronary arteries. It was not covered by insurance but cost $60 - about 18 months ago. My score was such that I finally agreed to go on a statin and since then my cholesterol levels are excellent. Anyway, I am thinking that with your situation, it is the coronary arteries you are probably concerned about. If you get the test and your score is 0 or low - that should put your mind at rest and if your score warrants a statin then you can decide whether to take it or not. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/about/pac-20384686

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  • CoralClouds
    CoralClouds Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2020

    Thank you Jelson,

    My oncologist (for the breast cancer) said one CT scan won't up my risk so she's on board with me getting the scan. The cardiologist told me that statins are only used to lower cholesterol, but that's not my issue. The question I want to figure out is why do I have the vascular calcification in the breast tissue with having no risk and at the age they were first found. The cardiologist said there's not enough data in younger women, but said I could do the CT scan if I wanted to but that to keep up with lifestyle wellness and health. I don't think my score is going to be a zero because there is already indication that there is calcification. What was your score, if you don't mind me asking? Other than the mammos indicating the vascular calcifications I don't have any other risk factors. it's strange. I feel like maybe my body is directing the calcium to the arteries and not the bones.

    Thank you for the Mayo C link.


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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited October 2020

    Without looking for my paperwork, I believe my score was 270, which is in the upper moderate risk range. When informed of my score, I snorted! and actually asked if anyone my age. (68 at the time) had a zero score, and was told indeed, yes, many do!!!!!! oops! hence my statin prescription. Since you don't have high cholesterol which is apparently a key ingredient in the arterial plaque, perhaps you will end up with a zero score and wouldn't that be reassuring. This sounds crazy, but every once in a while I read about the dangers of taking too much calcium supplementation. might that be an issue for you? Also, your blood calcium levels are ok? because people with high levels of calcium in their blood sometimes have parathyroid issues. Of course I am assuming that calcium is a main ingredient in calcifications which may not even be the case. good luck with all this, I am glad that no-one you have consulted seems to be concerned that this condition is itself a risk factor for you.


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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited October 2020

    CoralClouds, you said, “I feel like maybe my body is directing the calcium to the arteries and not the bones.“ You might want to read some scientific articles about vitamin K2 and the idea that it helps calcium go to bones rather than arteries.

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  • CoralClouds
    CoralClouds Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2020

    Funny, you mentioned that because I just bought some K2 with D3 as I had read the same information last week. I'm going to bring this up to the cardiologist when I meet with her. Thank you.

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