Breast Calcifications

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motahal
motahal Member Posts: 24
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi - I am a recent uterine cancer survivor. A mammogram in December showed calcifications in both breasts, and it is recommended that I have a repeat mammogram in June. Does breast cancer start as calcifications? I have a strong family history of breast cancer, and I am in a higher risk category now because I've already survived one cancer. My RAD/ONC seems comfortable with the repeat in 6 months. When is further testing recommended? I'm concerned because this is my first abnormal mammogram in 15 years. Could the calcifications have anything to do with the fact that my hysterectomy put me into instant menopause? Thanks for any help you can give me.

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  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #2
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    Hi! I had microcalcifications and it turned out to be cancer, DCIS. There is a way the Radiologist can tell if there is cancer or innocent calcifications. Not all calcifications are cancer. If in doubt, take your xrays and have another opinion. My feeling is why play games and keep putting it off for 6 mos. If they don't belong there get rid of them. If the 2nd MD agrees to wait, then I would feel better and wait. Good luck. Mine was Dx. in July,2000. Had a lumpectomy, then Mastectomy with Tram Flap recon. on Sept.11,2000. I'm healthy up till now and plan on staying that way!Keep in touch! HUGS!! Cathy
  • FresnoD
    FresnoD Member Posts: 12
    #3
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    Hi Mary! I had a Mammogram that showed Calcifications in my left breast and was also told to come back in 6 months. I did and when I did they still saw Calcifications that looked like they needed further testing. I had a lumpectomy and there was extensive DCIS and didn't get clear margins. The fact that I waited 6 months didn't cause a problem but I am now going to have a Mastectomy in April. When they did your Mammogram did they do magnification views. If not, I would suggest you see if the doctor can order magnification views because of your concern. I think the 2nd opinion is a good idea also especially because of your concern. Our internal stresses can be our worst enemy. When I was told to come back it never crossed my mind that it would be Breast Cancer so I didn't stress about it. Good Luck! Diane
  • motahal
    motahal Member Posts: 24
    #4
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    FresnoD said:

    Hi Mary! I had a Mammogram that showed Calcifications in my left breast and was also told to come back in 6 months. I did and when I did they still saw Calcifications that looked like they needed further testing. I had a lumpectomy and there was extensive DCIS and didn't get clear margins. The fact that I waited 6 months didn't cause a problem but I am now going to have a Mastectomy in April. When they did your Mammogram did they do magnification views. If not, I would suggest you see if the doctor can order magnification views because of your concern. I think the 2nd opinion is a good idea also especially because of your concern. Our internal stresses can be our worst enemy. When I was told to come back it never crossed my mind that it would be Breast Cancer so I didn't stress about it. Good Luck! Diane

    Hi Diane. Thanks for the advice. My RAD/ONC actually read the results himself after I told him what the radiologist said, and he was comfortable with the repeat in 6 months. I only have 3 more months to wait, so I guess I'll just wait. I hope if they are still there (do they ever just disappear?) they will do further testing. I don't think they did magnification views. Being that I just went through the uterine cancer, I'm a bit more nervous about any abnormal results. I am sorry you are having surgery next month, but I know you will feel better once it is all removed. I know I did. Take Care, Diana, and again, thanks for responding! I will pray for a quick recovery from surgery for you.

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