I was informed 2 wks ago I had a abnormal mammogram. I then had a imaging mammogram (to get a larger picture/view) of the abnormalities. After the doctor /radiologist reviewed my new film, she informed me on that day I have some calicafications which appear to be microcalcifications and they would need to schedule me for a biopsy to determine if it is Benign or "C"! I'm told that i will have clips input into my breast where they remove the tissue. And not quite understanding why the clips in my breast and why would they stay in my breast? Wouldn't I feel those clips as pain? After reading other people questions, I'm really even more concerned. Should I have had a ultrasound or MRI before going into a biopsy? What other procedures can be done to determine if the biopsy is needed? Also, i don't know if it's all in my head but I'm really feeling a stinging like burning sensation in my breast. I can recall of having similiar symptons years ago, but it went away. I was drinking alot energy drinks w/caffeine, so I did eventually stop driniking does. Could that be a cause or reason for the calicifications? Help! Much confusion and totally scared. !
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Q: Confused and Scared Breast Calcifications
Hi Justice - Microcalcifications, when they appear in a cluster, can be a kind of "shadow" of breast cancer. They're not actually cancer themselves, but can signal that cancer is growing. I'm assuming those microcalcifications in your breast (which weren't caused by you drinking energy drinks - don't worry) have formed enough of a cluster that the doctor wants a biopsy to check out the area where they're located. Apparently what the radiologist sees is suspicious enough that they want to act now, without waiting to see if a visible or palpable lump develops.
They put clips in your breast to guide the needle the radiologist will use to take the tissue sample. Clips are very visible on the ultrasound s/he'll probably be following as a guide, more visible than the microcalcifications themselves; they want to get to the exact area with that needle. As to why they remain in afterwards – oftentimes they're left so that, if you do have cancer (yes, it's OK to write the word! It's much more treatable than it used to be), the surgeon excising the tumor knows exactly where it is. The clips can then be removed during surgery.
Do the clips hurt? It's a very rare side effect; some people feel they have an allergic reaction to the titanium they're made of. But it's VERY rare, so please don't stress too much about that.
The stinging/burning is probably "in your head" - as well as in your breast. You're feeling it, but it might be a sensation brought on by your fears; the mind-body connection is real, as is the power of suggestion.
Bottom line, and the thought I'll leave you with: about 85% of biopsies are fine - no cancer. So the stats are definitely on your side. And even if you do have cancer, there are millions of us survivors out here - the vast majority of us undergo treatment, and resume our normal lives.
Sorry you're having to go through this, but hopefully you'll be in the large group of women who have negative biopsies and NO cancer. Good luck - PJH
I am 4 weeks ahead of you. I just had my lumpectomy last Wednesday. I had a MRI 10 days ago. My path report came back good for my margins. Here is what I would say to you 80% of women who have calcification are not cancerous. Concentrate that you are in that 80%.The core biospy is a bit different but they give you lots of local so it doesn't hurt. If it does they will stop and give you more. If you end up being in the 20% like I did, then we are still lucky because they have caught it so EARLY DCIS.I am new at this so posting so hopefully I can answer new questions.
This was over a year ago so not sure if you will even read this, but I also have calcifications in my one breast. Radiologist did not note on the report what kind they were, other than that it was benign. Not too reassuring though- he should have been more specific. My doctor was just as vague.."Well you can have another mammo if you want, but the report says benign." Still, she had no answer as to why it wasn't noted micro or macro.
Also, wanted to let you know I have that tingling burning sensation too! It is NOT in your head.
Hi,
Thank you for replying! Do you think it's strange that the radiologist didn't report what kind of calcification it is? When I called the radiologist office, the woman said I could pick up the report but it doesn't help since the report didn't specify. So when I asked my gyno why it didn't state micro or macro, she didn't have an answer. Other than, "If you are worried we can always do a repeat mammo". That is very confusing. Is it normal to not state which kind is found?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Sorry, I don't know if it's "normal" not to specify. Can you find the radiologist who read the report and ask directly if they're micro or macro? It does make a difference. Doing a repeat mammo isn't necessary - you just want to find out what the first mammo actually showed, specifically... PJH
Hi. I just learned that I have calcifications and I go next week to consult with the surgeon's office to schedule the biopsy. I am trying not to worry (and trying to stop doing research on it), as the radiologist told me they just couldn't be sure what it was and that I needed to get a biopsy. I saw the magnified mammogram and there were what look like 4 stars in a straight line. My questions is does the 85% chance of being benign apply to calcifications in general, or even if they are linear? Thanks.
The 85% is the overall average; so it doesn't apply to any specific situation. Most calcifications are benign, I know that; but I don't know the specific percentages.
It's scary to wait for a biopsy, then to wait for the results, I know; hopefully you can keep yourself occupied, spend time with friends, and try to distract yourself with work or doing something fun.
Worry and fear are eviscerating; they do absolutely nothing other than make you feel bad. Understand that however you feel, you're entitled to feel that way; but also understand that worry is an emotion, a reaction to a situation, not fact. It's tough, but if there's one thing we can control in life, it's our reaction to any situation; we can choose to believe the worst will happen, or choose to believe the best. So, work on believing that these calcifications will turn out to be benign because, chances are, they will be.
Best of luck to you - and please come back here anytime. We're here for you. PJH
Thanks, I needed that! I'm always telling my sons they often can't control what happens, but they can control how they react to it. Guess I will start practicing what I preach. Thanks again!
I just wanted to let you know that today I received the results of my biopsy and it was negative! I had the stereotactic procedure two days ago, it really wasn't that bad. Although it was a scary two weeks from the time I had the suspcious finding on my mammogram to getting the biopsy scheduled, I was somewhat comforted by the fact that if it had been cancer it would have been an early stage.
Excellent news, Susie! Thanks for coming back here to let us know. Now, enjoy your weekend - bet you're breathing a huge sigh of relief... 
PJH
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Hi - Many women have calcifications, both macro-, and microcalcifications. Unless/until they start appearing in straight lines or clusters - rather than randomly, without pattern - they're not considered serious. If you do have identified microcalcifications, it's something the doctor my choose to keep an eye on, to make sure they don't change their pattern; but it would just be a matter of checking them out via mammogram regularly.
And you're right, any sensation of pain or discomfort isn't in your head! But neither is it a typical breast cancer symptom... which is good, since most of us experience this at one time or another. Take care- PJH