topic Re: Breast Calcifications in Wellness

Breast Calcifications

Squirt60 — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:48:42 GMT

I recently went for my annual Mammogram and received the dreaded call back. When I went back the Radiologist told me I have microcalcifacations in my left breast so I now have to go back every 6 months for the next 2 years.

Has anyone had these before?

Thank you

Re: Breast Calcifications

jackthebear — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:19:51 GMT

@Squirt60 wrote:
I recently went for my annual Mammogram and received the dreaded call back. When I went back the Radiologist told me I have microcalcifacations in my left breast so I now have to go back every 6 months for the next 2 years.
Has anyone had these before?

Thank you

i was on a 6 month rotation
it's a good thing to be ahead of any problems

Re: Breast Calcifications

wagirl — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:35:04 GMT

@Squirt60 --Oh yes --I did the 6 month go back for years, on and off, as things popped up. Is a pain but needed--and like @jackthebear said, good to stay on top of things---always had some sort of weird little lump and bump appear on mammos----had very dense breasts as most of us do----

Re: Breast Calcifications

millieshops — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:54:02 GMT

@Squirt60 I went through the twice a year mammo routine for two years until the radiologist decided I needed a biopsy. The day I was on the table dreading that needle, the calcification disappeared as the needle touched it. No real pain but best of all even before I sat up, I was told I had nothing to fear!

My experience was before digital mammos. The pressure of those was more painful than the tiny needle used for the biopsy

Re: Breast Calcifications

reiki604 — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:55:33 GMT

I had breast calcifications multiple times. Each time they were biopsied and were negative until they weren't. I had a lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen for 5 years. Maintained a 6 month screening schedule with mammograms and MRIs alternating. 8 years after my initial diagnosis, i was diagnosed with BC again on the same breast and had a mastectomy and put on femara. I'm now 6 years out from the second diagnosis and am continuing with the 6 month monitoring. Please follow up according to your doc's recommendation.

Re: Breast Calcifications

beckyb1012 — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:05:05 GMT

I got the call back in 2009 or so and did the sonar no biopsy. I was told it was calcification's in my left breast as well. Yearly exams to continue on.

Thinking and praying good thoughts for you, it will be fine.

Re: Breast Calcifications

Still Raining — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:09:46 GMT

Sorry that you have a worry, but good that they were noted. Many of us have been placed on watch for a while.

Just scold them back to the bones 😬

Re: Breast Calcifications

Squirt60 — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 17:00:09 GMT

Thank you all for the advice. I appreciate it.

@beckyb1012

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. ❤️

Re: Breast Calcifications

Carmie — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:28:47 GMT

I haven't had this problem, but my sister did. They found calcifications when she was in her 30's. They removed a few and decided to leave the rest.

She lived to age 86 with no other breast issues. I think calcifications are quite common.

I also know that any issue with breast tissue is scary when it happens to you. I had a papilloma that they were watching. It caused me so much anxiety that I insisted it be biopsied. It was not cancer, thankfully.

I wish you well. Try not to be stressed. I know it's scary. Just keep on top of it and go back for your check-ups.

Re: Breast Calcifications

DSD2 — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:05:57 GMT

Yes, I had microcalcifcations years ago and had a stereotactic breast biopsy that proved to be negative.

I also had to go every six months for quite a few years. I've had a few issues and now have a yearly mammogram.

We are so fortunate to be living in a day and age where these issues are identified so they can be checked and monitored. It's difficult I know and I wish you all the best in the future.

Re: Breast Calcifications

Shelbelle — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 23:31:08 GMT

My Radiology Center now uses AI technology for reading mamms, it is not yet covered by insurances and if you want it as an extra reading, it is a charge of $40, I got it and so do most I know, worth it.

Re: Breast Calcifications

shoekitty — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 23:41:27 GMT

I had a calcification one year radiologist suggested waiting until next mammogram. Well, next mammo it was ductal carcinoma insitu Then there were so many they had to do 4 surgeries and partial mastectomy. This was in 2003 when they had trouble with HMO in Silicon Valley and the medical group I went to was going bankrupt. A few of us suffered. My friend who went there had to go back 4 times saying she felt lump, they said no lump. Anyway she found another Dr, he found lump and it required surgery chemo and radiation. She was 40. She had extremely dense breasts. So ladies. I highly recommend calcifications with uneven edges seen by a good radiologist ne removed and sent to biopsy. Chances are it's nothing, most are they are common but....Why wait ? . Saves a lot of heart ache and running around. jMHO

Re: Breast Calcifications

conlt — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 23:58:06 GMT

I had many Mammograms, leading to ultrasound, leading to biopsies. I even had a lumpectomy a little over 10 years ago. I am 1 of those woman that you read about who had suspicious Mammogram results and they had to look further. I am grateful that they did, even though none of my biopsies was positive. The lumpectomy was negative also.

The radiologist group told me that they decided every time they did a biopsy, it would create a suspicious spot the following Mammogram. They decided to stop and see what would happen. It has been a while now since I had an abnormal Mammogram.

I would be grateful that they are keeping an good eye on it.

I am sorry for the stress you are going through. After all of my biopsies, it became routine for me. The radiologist even apologized for having to do so many biopsies.

Re: Breast Calcifications

chrystaltree — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 17:59:35 GMT

Yes. I had a calcification a few years ago. I had a yearly mammogram for two years and then it just wasn't there. My body had absorbed it which sometimes happens.

Re: Breast Calcifications

Shanus — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:07:52 GMT

@Squirt60 Yes, I've had that condition since college age. Had to have mamos and ultrasounds after having my children. Not to scare you, but with no cancer found, docs decided I'd be better off with double mastectomy and reconstruction since they couldn't see anything through the thickened breast tissue.

This was done about 25 yrs. ago without issue and quick recovery.

Re: Breast Calcifications

ScrapHappy — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:19:10 GMT

I've been on every 6 months for a couple of years now. I have an MRI and mammogram every year. It's schedule so I'm doing something/being seen every 6 months.

Re: Breast Calcifications

katie1859 — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 02:49:10 GMT

Looks like I am following you.

Had my routine last Friday and received the order on Monday to have

a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound on my left breast asap

Im 65 and usually younger women have dense breasts but I have to have these

tests

Must admit the call back was unexpected

I recently lost 25 lbs and it was noticeable in my breasts lol

so perhaps weight loss can change the look and comparisons to the last screening

but I'm aware breast cancer is previlent in older women

Im just waiting for the appt and take it from there