Diagnosic mammogram

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Pumpkindogs
Pumpkindogs Member Posts: 5
edited September 2021 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

How often are microcalcifications and lumps found in same breast?

Calcifications were found before covid Feb 2020. But everything shut down and I wasn't able to go in for the diagnostic mammogram. Went yesterday for check and Dr found a lump in same breast. I have had cysts before that moved and were smooth. This isn't smooth and I didn't realize it was there. Now I scheduled for the diagnostic mamagram and ultrasound next week. My father had double mastectomy so I know I'm high risk but don't know if these things are something to worry about much. Thanks

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  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited September 2021

    Microcalcifications are a sign of cell changes. From this site (and I'll link it) "When abnormal cells grow unchecked inside the duct, the cells may get so crowded that some of them die and the body can't clear them away. If this happens, those cells can harden (or petrify) and areas of calcium form. When these calcifications show up on a mammogram, they often have suspicious features that require further investigation." https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/type...

    So you had that, and unfortunately covid restrictions got in the way of following up. Your doctor noted a lump, and you'll get the diagnostic done. The short answer is yes, the microcalcifications and lumps can be together in the same breast. The calcifications are a sign of cell death, and along with the lump might be a sign of DCIS and/or IDC. There is a blue button for "Help with Abbreviations" at the bottom of the menu to the left.

    Also from the link above: "Sometimes, though, calcifications can be a marker of underlying cancer development. They may be associated with the presence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early-stage cancer that remains inside the duct, or even invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) that has spread to the surrounding breast tissues.

    When abnormal cells grow unchecked inside the duct, the cells may get so crowded that some of them die and the body can't clear them away. If this happens, those cells can harden (or petrify) and areas of calcium form. When these calcifications show up on a mammogram, they often have suspicious features that require further investigation."

    It will be good for you to get the scoop on this. However, please try to remember that you don't know, and knowing itself doesn't actually change it. It just lets you go forward from there. What I'm saying, badly, is don't get ahead of yourself. One step at a time. Good luck.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited September 2021

    I would also like to add that although your father had bc, that may not mean anything with respect to you. Was your father’s bc a result of a genetic mutation? Breast cancer caused by genetic mutations actually account for only about 15% of bc cases. I have had several close relatives with bc and gynecological cancers as well as belonging to an ethnic group with a higher than usual presence of BRCA genes. I have had every genetic test available and no known mutations are present.

    Mostly, I agree with mountainmia. Don’t get ahead of yourself or make assumptions/guesses based on the limited info you currently have. Take care.

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  • Pumpkindogs
    Pumpkindogs Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2021

    Thank you for all the info! I know very little about this type of stuff, so glad I have some links now. I love what you said, "knowing itself doesn't actually change it", it's very true. Im trying not to be too worried but I also wanted to have some know going in.

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  • Pumpkindogs
    Pumpkindogs Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2021

    exbrnxgrl I'm not sure of my father's was genetic or not, I know very little about him. All I know was it was both sides of chest removed in his 50s. Im trying not to get too worried, just mostly find more info. I did have genetic testing done after my hysterectomy and I do have markers for that and a couple other things. I'm hoping breast changes are just a result of hysterectomy 3 years ago.

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited September 2021

    Want to send support Pumpkindogs! Please keep us posted as you get more information via more scans.... Wishing the best for you!

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  • Pumpkindogs
    Pumpkindogs Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2021

    @Livinlife looks like everything is ok! I go back in 6 months for MRI then next year for mamagram.

    They said calcifications were stable and cysts all looked benign!

    Although it was worrisome looking at the cysts on the ultrasound and see all the shapes. Whenever I have seen them before they looked round. There were definitely wonky shaped ones. The tech left to go talk to Dr to see if more pics were needed, never had a tech walk out before so that made me worry. Just so glad it over. ☺

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited September 2021

    Soooo good to hear Pumpkindogs!!! Great they'll be keeping a close eye on everything too with 6 month MRI!!!

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