Thursday, July 31, 2008 Donna asks

Q: Tight cluster of microcalcifications - Planning for future mammograms

It had been 8 months since previous mammogram,and that one showed no abnormalities, and on this one the radiologist noted a tight cluster of microcalcifications on my mammogram. They then did magnification views to get a closer look, and decided a biopsy was needed. They wanted to do it the same day, but due to an aspirin regiment I needed to wait 7 days. The doctor I spoke with rated it a Birad 4, and stated the calcifications were tiny, tightly clustered and very close to the chest wall. They were different shapes, and he was very concerned with the possibility of a malignancy. I had a stereotactic completed a week later, and the result was blessedly benign.

What is the protocol at this point for future mammograms? I want to remain informed in the event that anything would appear similar in the future, so should I contact the breast center to obtain copies of my pathology report, or copies of my mammograms? What do you suggest so I can remain in control of my future health regarding this? Thanks!

Answers (3)

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PJ Hamel

7/31/08 8:54pm

Hi Donna: Congratulations on your benign biopsy. Going forward, are you able to continue getting your mammograms at the same medical facility? If so, ask the radiology tech giving you the mammogram if those areas of microcalcification are noted in your chart, or pointed out on your previous mammogram. If so, fine; the radiologist will no doubt keep an eye on them. If she says there's no mention of them, make sure to ask to speak to the radiologist, to find out why they're not being tracked.

If you're moving form once medical facility to another, yes, you should carry your films with you. Or, if your mammogram is digital, make sure it's sent to the next facility. The important thing is, they want to be able to watch those microcalcifications in case they change. You've had the baseline mammogram that shows them; it's important to be able to access that for purposes of comparison. The pathology report would also be useful, but the mammogram is really the key element here.

Good luck - PJH

irene

8/ 2/08 9:25pm

At my previous mammogram I was informed that I had microcalcifications and had an order for a biopsy which they decided not to do. I was told to come back if noticed any changes. At this time there was a palpable lump. I began noticing changes and very quickly these changes occured. When I returned to the doctor (a different one) he immediately sent me for another test and then to a surgeon who diagnosed stage IV breast cancer and who also told me the medical profession had slighted me by not proforming this biopsy I was supposed to have. It isn't protocal to have a referral to see a surgeon at least in Colorado now so if I were you I would see a surgeon I trust. It has been one year this month since I finioshed 1 1/2 yeares of chemo and radiation treatments and I am checked every three months through blood work (labs)

and so far everything seems to be alright but there is no cure for cancer as they say and I am terrifieds everytime I go for a checkup. So PLEASE get a second opinion at the very least because you never know if maybe that doctor was having an off day. Most cancers in the breast start out as micro-calcifications. Good luck for your future and God Bless! Patricia

Laura

1/18/09 10:59pm

Hi, I'm having the same procedure and now I know why im sceduled a week later also.. im on aspirin too, you know what I canot understand.. if your mamo came back benign.. and they're saying that a cluster of microcalcifications could be cancer, why? What next? Can they tell the difference the next time. .alot quetions have to be asked..

Laura

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Q: Tight cluster of microcalcifications - Planning for future mammograms

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