Calcium deposits

Bonnie · Guest

6 months ago they found a lump in my left breast. After a mammo and ultrasound it was determined that the lump probably was a cyst and should go away on it's own. When I went to my oncologist for a second opinion on the lump, he was more concerned about the calcium deposits that were forming a line. How concerned should I be about this? I go in two weeks for another mammo and ultrasound. Thanking you in advance for any information that will calm my fears. I've already had a resection and full recovery from 3rd stage colon cancer (1998).
Bonnie

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Bonnie,

It is very hard to tell from what you are telling me what this might be. I do not even know your age, which makes a big difference. When we make decisions such as observations versus biopsy, we take all those factors into consideration: age, family history, presentation, size of the nodule, exam characteristics, imaging characteristics etc. So it's hard for me to tell you what it is, I'd be very irresponsible doing it. I think the best I can tell you: try to stay calm, you are certainly being evaluated and have a frank discussion with your doctor. Some patients are not comfortable with observing something that for example has a 99% chance of being benign, they want the answer right away, and that is fine. Remember, a doctor will give you an opinion, and you're more than welcome to discuss what you'd like to do. But he will explain why he's thinking that way, and this alone may reassure you.

regards,
Leo

Shirlann · Guest

Hi dear, I am a breast cancer patient.

I know that most docs don't like to see calcifications because often cancer lurks among them. I don't know why.

I would follow his advice and stay vigilant.

Gentle hugs, Shirlann

crickette · Guest

I am also a breast cancer patient, and from going in for my mammogram I read one of there posters and there are three different kinds of calcifications based on how they look on the film. I had clusters of microcalcifications as well as a lump. My microcalcifications were in fact malignant, but not all are so please work with you Onc to get a biopsy of these to make sure they are benign!!! Try to stay positive, positive attitude helps alot.

Hi Shirlann believe i've talked to you at breast cancer.org.

Munchkin · New User Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 4

Hi Bonnie,

I too had a cyst but the ultrasound revealed it wasn't malignant. However, they did find a cluster of calcium deposits which looked suspicious so I had a stereotactic biopsy. The biopsy confirmed that it was LCIS. The first breast surgeon I saw wanted to do a lumpectomy & rads but I got a second opinion from another surgeon who did not see the need to do that. So I am on Tamoxifen now.

It is such an emotional roller coaster when dealing with something like this - please know you are not alone. I hope everything turns out okay.

Cathy

bluefin · Regular Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 16

Just wanted to share some information with you.
Ultrasound is not FDA approved as a screening tool for breast cancer for a number of reasons. As stated above, ultrasound cannot reliably detect calcifications, tiny calcium deposits associated with many breast cancers. Ultrasound is also very operator-dependent. That is, the results of an ultrasound exam reflect the ultrasound technologist or the radiologist?s ability to properly manage the equipment. In addition, ultrasound cannot document how much breast tissue has been imaged; therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the thoroughness of the exam. Ultrasound also produces false positive or false negative results from time to time. This means that the ultrasound exam may indicate a breast abnormality when no abnormality is present, or conversely, ultrasound may miss an abnormality. Ultrasound is most valuable when used after mammogram or physical breast exams have indicated an abnormality.

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