Third Mammogram and possible calcifications

evsmom
evsmom Member Posts: 11
in Breast Cancer #1
A year ago it was suggested by my nurse practitioner that due to family history (grandmother and her two sisters had bc) I get a mammo. I did and results found abnormal spots but likely benign. I was to return for a follow up. I couldn't due to the fact that I was pregnant at the time (I'm now 37) and then breastfeeding, so finally able to go for follow up this past Monday. My doctor informed me the radiologist wants me to come back for yet another mammo as there are still some areas on the mammo that he needs further results on. Doc believes they are calcifications. In reading on this I've found there are micro and macro calficications and can be cancerous, etc.

I expressed to my doctor that I am not thrilled about having a third mammogram - this will be 3 in 1.5 years. I want to look at other options - possibly ultra sound however unlikely it will yield same results as mammo.

Would appreciate anyone with a similar experience in terms of calcifications - were they benign? What steps taken to diagnose? Thanks!

Comments

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #2
    My experience was when I had
    My experience was when I had my mammo, they found microcalcifications. They then did a more intense mammo and I was sent for an ultrsound guided core biopsy that showed that I had bc. I also had a MRI before my lumpectomy to make sure there wasn't any more cancer in either breast, and, there wasn't. I did have the lumpectomy, followed by rads, no chemo.

    Calcifications can be bc and they also cannot be.


    If I were you, I would insist on an ultrasound and even a MRI. Sometimes bc isn't picked up on mammos or ultrasounds, but, are on MRI's.


    Express your feeling to your doctor that you want every test to make sure that you are cancer free. I am sure he will understand.

    Good luck and let me know what you decide to do!


    Sue :)
  • evsmom
    evsmom Member Posts: 11
    #3
    Ritzy said:

    My experience was when I had
    My experience was when I had my mammo, they found microcalcifications. They then did a more intense mammo and I was sent for an ultrsound guided core biopsy that showed that I had bc. I also had a MRI before my lumpectomy to make sure there wasn't any more cancer in either breast, and, there wasn't. I did have the lumpectomy, followed by rads, no chemo.

    Calcifications can be bc and they also cannot be.


    If I were you, I would insist on an ultrasound and even a MRI. Sometimes bc isn't picked up on mammos or ultrasounds, but, are on MRI's.


    Express your feeling to your doctor that you want every test to make sure that you are cancer free. I am sure he will understand.

    Good luck and let me know what you decide to do!


    Sue :)

    Thanks Sue for sharing. I
    Thanks Sue for sharing. I requested an ultra sound instead of a mammo and they said that in this case a mammo is the way to go at this point, however they may also do an ultra sound in addition to. They have made my next appointment for Monday and thankfully, I will meet with the radiologist with results prior to leaving. While they are the experts, I feel that I need to insist on even further testing. It's hard for me to believe that they will be able to tell from a third mammogram whether calcifications are cancerous or not.
  • poplolly
    poplolly Member Posts: 346
    #4
    I have a family history of
    I have a family history of breast cancer also. I had two mammograms in the space of two weeks last year, and now I'm going every 6 months. I have had the calcifications. But, they had to sometimes do a biospy to make sure they were benign. All of mine were.
  • renee616
    renee616 Member Posts: 181
    #5
    poplolly said:

    I have a family history of
    I have a family history of breast cancer also. I had two mammograms in the space of two weeks last year, and now I'm going every 6 months. I have had the calcifications. But, they had to sometimes do a biospy to make sure they were benign. All of mine were.

    biopsy may be needed
    My sister has been having mammos every six months. The last one She just had last week showed calcification's which they said could be nothing of could be serious. They scheduled a biopsy to determine if its cancer.
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #6
    I just went through
    I just went through treatment for DCIS which was found in my mammo. I was told at the mammo that I had classifications. I was informed that I always had them in my left breast, but they looked normal. I was then told that the ones in my right breast looked funny. Apparently they have their own looks and most are not cancer. It's the ones that look different that they have to biopsy. The ones in my right breast just didn't have the normal look that they should have and since it was suspicious I had to have more pics taken. When I had those second picks done, the tech looked at them right then and told me he did NOT like the way they looked and wanted me to get the needle core biopsy right away.The rest is history. So, if they are telling you to go back for more pics, do to make sure they are not cancerous. Since mine was found so early it was small and stage 0. Don't wait or let the fear of another mammo stand in your way. I shiver to think what would have happened had I not gone right back for that second look. Good luck!

    angela
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #7
    poplolly said:

    I have a family history of
    I have a family history of breast cancer also. I had two mammograms in the space of two weeks last year, and now I'm going every 6 months. I have had the calcifications. But, they had to sometimes do a biospy to make sure they were benign. All of mine were.

    Can or has your doctor
    Can or has your doctor suggested a core needle biopsy for you?
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #8
    calcs
    Mammogram is the best way to image calcs. MRI and US do not image them as well. They shouldn't do a whole series for the mammo. They will probably do spot compressions of the area of concern. If they are not sure they could either suggest a 3 or 6 month follow up (of that side only) or possibly a biopsy. Only 1 out of 4 biopsies is cancer.
    Calcification's are commom, probably 25 percent of women have them however, it is a good idea to have them followed up as everyone has said it could be something. Just keep in mind that all the women on this sight have BC so you will probably not get a benign conclusion here.
    I am a mammo tech and I see benign calcification's all the time. The fact that the radiologist is following up isn't necessarily the worst case scenario. But be sure to follow up because you can never be to careful with your health.

    Cindy
    PS - if you are still breast feeding make sure to call the dept prior to get instructions. You should be as empty as possible right before the images. Also make sure the tech notes that on the questionnaire.
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #9
    evsmom said:

    Thanks Sue for sharing. I
    Thanks Sue for sharing. I requested an ultra sound instead of a mammo and they said that in this case a mammo is the way to go at this point, however they may also do an ultra sound in addition to. They have made my next appointment for Monday and thankfully, I will meet with the radiologist with results prior to leaving. While they are the experts, I feel that I need to insist on even further testing. It's hard for me to believe that they will be able to tell from a third mammogram whether calcifications are cancerous or not.

    I am glad you requested an
    I am glad you requested an ultra sound too Evsmom! Good luck on Monday and please post to let us know what you find out.

    Sometimes we have to be our own advocates.


    Good luck,

    Sue :)
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #10
    robang13 said:

    I just went through
    I just went through treatment for DCIS which was found in my mammo. I was told at the mammo that I had classifications. I was informed that I always had them in my left breast, but they looked normal. I was then told that the ones in my right breast looked funny. Apparently they have their own looks and most are not cancer. It's the ones that look different that they have to biopsy. The ones in my right breast just didn't have the normal look that they should have and since it was suspicious I had to have more pics taken. When I had those second picks done, the tech looked at them right then and told me he did NOT like the way they looked and wanted me to get the needle core biopsy right away.The rest is history. So, if they are telling you to go back for more pics, do to make sure they are not cancerous. Since mine was found so early it was small and stage 0. Don't wait or let the fear of another mammo stand in your way. I shiver to think what would have happened had I not gone right back for that second look. Good luck!

    angela

    Wishing you good luck on
    Wishing you good luck on Monday! Update us when you can.


    Hugs,Jan
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #11
    mamolady said:

    calcs
    Mammogram is the best way to image calcs. MRI and US do not image them as well. They shouldn't do a whole series for the mammo. They will probably do spot compressions of the area of concern. If they are not sure they could either suggest a 3 or 6 month follow up (of that side only) or possibly a biopsy. Only 1 out of 4 biopsies is cancer.
    Calcification's are commom, probably 25 percent of women have them however, it is a good idea to have them followed up as everyone has said it could be something. Just keep in mind that all the women on this sight have BC so you will probably not get a benign conclusion here.
    I am a mammo tech and I see benign calcification's all the time. The fact that the radiologist is following up isn't necessarily the worst case scenario. But be sure to follow up because you can never be to careful with your health.

    Cindy
    PS - if you are still breast feeding make sure to call the dept prior to get instructions. You should be as empty as possible right before the images. Also make sure the tech notes that on the questionnaire.

    Evsmom, how did your
    Evsmom, how did your appointment go today?

    Lex
  • evsmom
    evsmom Member Posts: 11
    #12
    Alexis F said:

    Evsmom, how did your
    Evsmom, how did your appointment go today?

    Lex

    Lex thanks for checking in!
    The appointment went okay - however I left feeling very confused on next steps and discouraged (in terms of information) by my conversation with the radiologist. The radiologist came in and her words to my husband and me were "things look pretty good" - she said that my the calcifications that showed up on the very first mammo haven't changed too much, however between that mammo and this one today I have developed "quite a few more" behind my nipple. She state it's "unilikey it's cancer but we'll watch and have you come back in 6 months for another mammogram".

    I realize she is the expert at reading the mammogram but I was not satisfied with the information I was given. I asked if she would recommend a biopsy and she said not at this point however, if I lose sleep over waiting the 6 months, she'd refer me to a surgeon. Because of the location of the calcifications they would have to do a surgical biopsy. She was in an absolute rush, didn't even explain what calcifications are (had I not been researching, I'd assumed perhaps it was a good thing? Calcium = strong bones right?!).

    I tried to get in touch with my doctor and OB but both are out on vacation...don't want to jump the gun on this by initial thought is that I don't really want to wait another six months - I'm very black and white and want to know 100% they are benign or otherwise.

    Sorry for the long winded answer :-)
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #13
    evsmom said:

    Lex thanks for checking in!
    The appointment went okay - however I left feeling very confused on next steps and discouraged (in terms of information) by my conversation with the radiologist. The radiologist came in and her words to my husband and me were "things look pretty good" - she said that my the calcifications that showed up on the very first mammo haven't changed too much, however between that mammo and this one today I have developed "quite a few more" behind my nipple. She state it's "unilikey it's cancer but we'll watch and have you come back in 6 months for another mammogram".

    I realize she is the expert at reading the mammogram but I was not satisfied with the information I was given. I asked if she would recommend a biopsy and she said not at this point however, if I lose sleep over waiting the 6 months, she'd refer me to a surgeon. Because of the location of the calcifications they would have to do a surgical biopsy. She was in an absolute rush, didn't even explain what calcifications are (had I not been researching, I'd assumed perhaps it was a good thing? Calcium = strong bones right?!).

    I tried to get in touch with my doctor and OB but both are out on vacation...don't want to jump the gun on this by initial thought is that I don't really want to wait another six months - I'm very black and white and want to know 100% they are benign or otherwise.

    Sorry for the long winded answer :-)

    I wish I could help you to
    I wish I could help you to decide what to do evsmom, but, if this is really going to bother you and make you anxious waiting for 6 months, perhaps you should insists on a biopsy just to make sure. I think any doctor would understand this and help you.


    Hugs, Leeza
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #14
    evsmom said:

    Lex thanks for checking in!
    The appointment went okay - however I left feeling very confused on next steps and discouraged (in terms of information) by my conversation with the radiologist. The radiologist came in and her words to my husband and me were "things look pretty good" - she said that my the calcifications that showed up on the very first mammo haven't changed too much, however between that mammo and this one today I have developed "quite a few more" behind my nipple. She state it's "unilikey it's cancer but we'll watch and have you come back in 6 months for another mammogram".

    I realize she is the expert at reading the mammogram but I was not satisfied with the information I was given. I asked if she would recommend a biopsy and she said not at this point however, if I lose sleep over waiting the 6 months, she'd refer me to a surgeon. Because of the location of the calcifications they would have to do a surgical biopsy. She was in an absolute rush, didn't even explain what calcifications are (had I not been researching, I'd assumed perhaps it was a good thing? Calcium = strong bones right?!).

    I tried to get in touch with my doctor and OB but both are out on vacation...don't want to jump the gun on this by initial thought is that I don't really want to wait another six months - I'm very black and white and want to know 100% they are benign or otherwise.

    Sorry for the long winded answer :-)

    Biopsy
    This is a really tough call. Calcifications are "normal" for a lot of women. I too would have a tough time with "wait and see". Keep in mind that even a biopsy could remove a lot of breast tissue since it sounds like they are in different areas of the breast.
    The surgeon may be more helpful than your OB or GP in any case. So if you are not comfortable waiting you should probably get the referral.

    All the best,
    Cindy

    Hopefully this is all for nothing anyway, but it never hurts to be certain.
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #15
    evsmom said:

    Lex thanks for checking in!
    The appointment went okay - however I left feeling very confused on next steps and discouraged (in terms of information) by my conversation with the radiologist. The radiologist came in and her words to my husband and me were "things look pretty good" - she said that my the calcifications that showed up on the very first mammo haven't changed too much, however between that mammo and this one today I have developed "quite a few more" behind my nipple. She state it's "unilikey it's cancer but we'll watch and have you come back in 6 months for another mammogram".

    I realize she is the expert at reading the mammogram but I was not satisfied with the information I was given. I asked if she would recommend a biopsy and she said not at this point however, if I lose sleep over waiting the 6 months, she'd refer me to a surgeon. Because of the location of the calcifications they would have to do a surgical biopsy. She was in an absolute rush, didn't even explain what calcifications are (had I not been researching, I'd assumed perhaps it was a good thing? Calcium = strong bones right?!).

    I tried to get in touch with my doctor and OB but both are out on vacation...don't want to jump the gun on this by initial thought is that I don't really want to wait another six months - I'm very black and white and want to know 100% they are benign or otherwise.

    Sorry for the long winded answer :-)

    Glad your appt. went ok for
    Glad your appt. went ok for you, but, it still sounds like you want to take it further. Perhaps when your doctor gets back from vacation, you should ask to see a surgeon. You certainly need and deserve piece of mind.

    Best of luck,

    Lex

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