Oh Wise DIS Women .. Another Medical Question

[Daxx]

Went for the mammogram today. After I got done, the radiologist found 3 tiny (and I mean pin-point) calcified spots and sent me for a round of magnified mamms. When I got those done, radiologist told me that this was only in 1 breast and it was most likely benign w/ 1% chance of being cancer (or start of cancer). She said I had the option of waiting 6 mos. for another mamm. to look for changes OR have a biopsy. I opted for the biopsy. Have to call gyn in the morning to schedule.

However, here's what I want to know ... what can I expect for the biopsy procedure?! What will happen? Are there any other tests that I should have other than the biopsy?

I am not nervous b/c when I went to see the radiologist, I said "So, how bad is it?" and she said "How bad is what?" and I said "It's cancer, isn't it?" and she said "Oh, no, no, no ... just calcifications which are more than likely benign, 1% chance of cancer. However, these calcifications can be the onset of cancer". I figure go for the biopsy and nip things in the bud rather than sit and wait. I am the type of gal who takes charge of her health.

Thanks for any input/insight/experiences you can relate. I appreciate it immensely!!!

Warmly,
Daxx's Wife

 

[rascalmom]

I don't have any experience with this, but I just wanted to offer my support that everything turns out healthy. P & PD! I am one to err on the side of caution & if I were you I would go for the biopsy too. Just remember what your Dr. said "1%" & in any case early detection is so important. Hugs!

 

[Microcell]

A friend of mine has calcifications and when they did the biopsy and told her it was precancerous so she is just starting radiation later this week every day for 6 weeks.

 

[Serena]

I don't know, but I'll bump this up for you.

 

[Maleficent13]

My mom just went through the exact same thing about 6 months ago. She's out of town right now, but when she calls to check in I will ask her. In any case, pixie dust for you.

 

[HeatherH]

Daxx's Wife, I have had a similar (actually worse) result from a recent mammogram, I have SEVERAL clustered microcalcifications in one breast, got called back for the magnified views, and yep they are there.

Because of the position they are in it is not easy to do a stereotactic (needle) biopsy. The only other biopsy would be surgical.

For me, after discussing all the options with the doctor at the mammogram center, in conjunction with my ob-gyn, I have decided to wait the six months and do another mammomgram then. If the results are the same, or worse, I will do the surgical biopsy.

Go to google.com and look up stereotactic biopsies...I would assume this would be the first line of diagnosis for you. Calcifications would not be biopsied in any other way (except surgical), and they generally don't show up on ultrasounds. You really need to find out exactly WHAT they are proposing to do as far as a biopsy.

My two cents, take it or leave it, but this is after MUCH discussion and research for me. Unless you have a family history of breast cancer or have other major risk factors, I honestly would WAIT the six months. THREE microcalcifications is not much, unless they were displayed in such a way that would indicate something. I have done TONS of research on this subject, and consulted several family friend doctors as well, and unless the radiologist and/or your ob/gyn urge you to get tested now, I personally would wait the six months and check again. Calcifications are VERY common, and unless they are in a specific pattern, are highly unlikely to be malignant. Get a copy of the radiologist's report and find out what BI-RAD category you are in. I think the results will reassure you.

I wish you the best, no matter what you decide.

 

[lizanne]

Hi Daxx's Wife,

I've had lumps removed 3 times, all benign cysts, and I've had a needle biopsy done twice, also benign.

The first 2 times I was a basket case even though the doctor told me he didn't think it was cancer. That was back in the '70's. The needle biopsy(s) were done in the '80's, and the last lump was removed 2 months ago.

For the lumps, two were outpatient surgery. I had an appointment with the surgeon prior to actual removal so I was able to talk to him and ask any questions. It also gave me the opporturnity to determine if I felt comfortable with him. If not, I would have talked to my doctor. I don't recall how I felt after the first two, so I guess it couldn't have been too bad. This last time I didn't even have to take an aspirin afterwards. I was given a script for pain killer but not needed.

I'm afraid I don't remember too much about the needle biopsy (I had a few other things on my mind). I know it was done at the same location where I had the mamogram.

Your doctor will advise you if he thinks other tests are necessary, but I think the biopsy will be definitive.

I know I'm not giving great information, but I wanted you to know that this doesn't have to be cancer or precancer. I definitely think you're doing the right thing by taking care of it now.

I wish you the best.
BettyAnne

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The person you'll probably want to consult is a breast surgeon. They are the experts in all matters of the breast. Personally, I'd make an appointment with a good one and see what he or she has to say about these calcifications, then take it from there. This is a good website which may help you sort through what you need to know. www.breastcancer.org

As you can see I have had breast cancer myself. I don't have experience with calcifications but many women on the Dis Breast Cancer Support thread have had them and can answer your questions better than I could. We started the thread because it seemed so many Dis women had issues come up, we wanted a place for them to go for support. Here's the link if you feel like posting your questions there.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=810357&referrerid=70088

 

[snowwhitesmom]

From someone with a Mom and Sis who are survivors, good for you for being pro active! Pand PD.....

 

[rockin_rep]

Daxx's Wife, I have had a similar (actually worse) result from a recent mammogram, I have SEVERAL clustered microcalcifications in one breast, got called back for the magnified views, and yep they are there.

Because of the position they are in it is not easy to do a stereotactic (needle) biopsy. The only other biopsy would be surgical.

For me, after discussing all the options with the doctor at the mammogram center, in conjunction with my ob-gyn, I have decided to wait the six months and do another mammomgram then. If the results are the same, or worse, I will do the surgical biopsy.

Go to google.com and look up stereotactic biopsies...I would assume this would be the first line of diagnosis for you. Calcifications would not be biopsied in any other way (except surgical), and they generally don't show up on ultrasounds. You really need to find out exactly WHAT they are proposing to do as far as a biopsy.

My two cents, take it or leave it, but this is after MUCH discussion and research for me. Unless you have a family history of breast cancer or have other major risk factors, I honestly would WAIT the six months. THREE microcalcifications is not much, unless they were displayed in such a way that would indicate something. I have done TONS of research on this subject, and consulted several family friend doctors as well, and unless the radiologist and/or your ob/gyn urge you to get tested now, I personally would wait the six months and check again. Calcifications are VERY common, and unless they are in a specific pattern, are highly unlikely to be malignant. Get a copy of the radiologist's report and find out what BI-RAD category you are in. I think the results will reassure you.

I wish you the best, no matter what you decide.

Hi Heather and Daxx's wife ~

Just wondered if you both would give me a little update. Almost the exact scenerio is happening to two very dear people and i'm doing tons of research.

Like you said Heather, many advise waiting 6 months for all the reasons you stated, but also because any biopsy creates scar tissue making the next reading even tougher ~ especially those with small, dense breasts.

Thanks for any feedback and i hope you're both doing GREAT!

 

[LaLa]

I went through a lumpectomy after my first son was born. My OB found the lump at my 6 week checkup and recommended a mamo. After the mamo indicated a mass, which they thought was more than likely benign, it was recommended that I have it removed and biopsied.
I remember being super nervous but in all honesty, there was nothing to it. My surgeon was really great in explaining everything that would happen. They wheeled me back and I just remember them covering me up with really warm blankets. I remember the nurse saying something about them giving me "something to relax". I still to this day don't know what that 'something" was, but I did tell her at the time that I wanted some of that good stuff to take home with me. She didn't find it very funny.

The next thing I remember it was over and I was back in recovery. I was nursing my son at the time of the surgery. I was able to pump my milk out that night without too much pain, believe it or not. (BTW, yes, I did throw it out, because although I would have liked to have stayed on Cloud Nine, I didn't necessarily want my sweet little baby to be. )

Really, the surgery is not that big of a deal. It's the anitcipation of the surgery and the results that gets you. I just remember when I told my friend about what was going on, she acted like I was already diagnosed with cancer. It really surprised me how many people reacted that way. It turned out to be just a milk cyst brought on by the pregnancy. That really had to be the scariest week of my life, and I just thank God every day that the results turned out the way they did.

Just know that you are indeed doing the best thing by having it removed and tested. The procedure itself is really not that bad. Keep your head up and stay positive. Praying your experience turns out as positive as mine did. Hugs and prayers to you.

 

[Feralpeg]

I've had six different biopsies for this exact thing. Since I once had breast cancer, I don't dare let it go. You doctor is right. Chances are it is nothing, but you want to be sure.

 

[ophie]

Sorry, I don't have an answer to your question. You seem to be getting good info so far. Here's a bump for more good information and some & !

 

[Christine]

My aunt had these calcifications and had the stereotactic biopsies for this. I don't think it's that bad. I don't know what I would do if I were in your shoes. I'm not one to "wait and see." I guess I would visit an surgeon and let him/her look at your films and see what he/she thinks.

Mammogram is not my favorite word this week.

 

[rockin_rep]

I've had six different biopsies for this exact thing. Since I once had breast cancer, I don't dare let it go. You doctor is right. Chances are it is nothing, but you want to be sure.

Do you mean you had six biopsies for *calcifications*, or for lumps?

These two women each have two small groups of calcifications. Both had the second, magnified mammo and all the radiologists / docs say they're benign.

(and still they wonder...)

Also, neither have a family history of breast cancer (which really means less and less each year), both are mid-40s and both are in excellent shape.

Thanks so much everyone for your replys.

 

[marybet]

I had this done a year ago. The radiologist explained that they wouldn't go away and I could wait the six months but I would still need the biopsy.

It was a very easy procedure. The table has an opening for the breast, they use a computer to find the calcifications, the only hard part is you can't move. Then they numbed the area and removed the calcifications, they x-rayed it to be sure they had them and then placed a small marker in the breast in case they had to come back and remove more tissue. After that they did another mamo to show were the marker was. Then I was wrapped with an ace bandage and that was it. Took it easy for a couple of days. The results were benign, and I just had my yearly mamo and it was fine.

Good luck.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

These two women each have two small groups of calcifications. Both had the second, magnified mammo and all the radiologists / docs say they're benign.

rockin, there simply is no way to be sure they are benign without a biopsy - i.e. sampling of actual tissue. The most they could say is they are "probably" benign looking at films. As others have said, the biopsy procedure itself isn't too bad.

 

[Jpgirl]

I've had a biopsy-and it's not bad and you're right to get it done. My mom had one of those calcifications and it was cancer. The radiologist told her she could wait too-good thing she didn't. For biopsy-I was put to sleep and they cut it out and sent it off to lab. The dr. was 99% sure is wasn't-I just have lots of mass in my breast. Now my mom's was a little different. While she was still awake they stuck the breast with a needle so they could find the calcifications with a camera and not have to dig around. She was uncomfortable while thye were putting the needles in but not unbearable. After my biopsy I had to wear a bra 24/7 for a few weeks. I choose a lycra sports compression bra-they're more comfortable to me. Good luck and God Bless

 

[NHAnn]

Hi Heather and Daxx's wife ~
Just wondered if you both would give me a little update.

I can tell you that Daxx's wife (Susan) reported good news on the DIS Breast Cancer Survivors thread at the end of September when she go the pathology report from her biopsy...her calcifications were benign
I don't know about Heather



My surgeon also said that over 80% of calcifications are benign. But as Pea-n-Me (Linda) stated, there is no way to be sure unless you biopsy. Last April after my annual mamogram, when I got called back for magnified views on one side I was not overly concerned. I'd had calcifications "watched" at 6 month intervals once or twice over the past 10 years). But on the magnified view these particular calcifications were clustered very suspiciously in about a 2 cm area. A surgical (excisional) biopsy of the area was needed to remove them all (spread in too large an area to do the streotactic biopsy). Unfortunately mine were in the < 20% grouop...I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (non-invasive, contained in the duct). I had a another couple more centimeters of tissue removed in a lumpectomy and underwent 5 weeks of radiation. So, I'm a Survivor...and intend to be one for a very long time! Early detection is a big plus....I had NO "lump", just non-invasive cncer cells in the duct...but if the suspicious cluster had not been spotted on the mammogram, there is a chance that it could have become an invasive, life-threatening cancer later.

rockin, if you've been doing a lot of research, I suspect you may have looked at www.breastcancer.org....it's a great resource.
And feel free to read and/or PM any of the ladies here DIS Breast Cancer Survivors

 

[HeatherH]

I don't know about Heather

Heather will go back in January for the follow-up mammogram, and yes, I'm prepared for the biopsy at that point. I'm still not overly concerned. I do know that if I'm one of the 1%, the most likely cancer is DCIS, and that is highly treatable and very slow growing.

I'm glad it all worked out for Daxx!