Anomaly, Breast Calcifications

It’s hard, isn’t it? I have had mammograms for years because of family history. Recall 4 or so years ago...checked out and told okay. Bizarrely the spot they checked was where my cancer was eventually found. When I questioned this I was told I wouldn’t be here now if it had been cancer but not spotted. I had a mammogram a mere 9 months before my diagnosis and it was clear....I know it wouldn’t  change anything and I believe I have done my level best to be checked at a regular basis but a little of bit me thinks that something was missed....I found lumps in my armpit....I found the cancer even though a mere 9 months before I was given the all clear...frustrating but I try not to focus on it as I think I would go mad.

Hi Galligirl,

Thank you for your reply. It could indeed make you go mad! My routine mammogram was in October 2017, microcals and dense tissue reported but stated benign. Dec 2017 saw GP with what I thought was a lump, he couldn't feel it and reassured me as had recent mammogram I shouldn't be worried, I left it for months and when I returned a referral was made, diagnosis showed 4.5CM tumour in the area of calcification. They will never admit to being wrong, I'm sure.  I now question everything and it probably will irritate people but only have one life. 

All the best to you. 

Hi peterawake

my story on my profile I received call back because of calcification but with a different outcome .

There was some disagreement about size of area between surgeon and radiologist so second biopsy done which showed changes from 2016 . Pirior to biopsy results I was told by radiology team several times usually nothing to worry about  when its calcification. But biopsy done which I'm grateful for as they were positive .

I  just had a quiet word with BC Nurse that the step from that reassurance to in three days time you're having mastectomy  was too great .She agreed and welcomed the feedback to be placed on table to the team .

I now spend my time telling all and sundry it's not just about lumps or visible changes

I had no lump ,ultrasound found nothing ,surgeon couldn't feel anything even though he knew where area was. Only mammogram showed it .

I had recall in 2015 from first routine mammogram for two areas if calcification- 10 and 5 mm.  bother areas biopsied with 12 samples taken.  Doctor assured me 99% certain they were harmless but radiographers doing biopsy made me think otherwise as one left the room to get doctor to ask if she wanted markers out in which she didn’t as she said no need. 5mm benign but 10mm which was actually 11mm was high grade DCIS.  The surgeon did tell me that many consider the removal of DCIS as over treatment as it might never change. 

Interesting how Drs and Radiographers throughout the profession can either do watch and wait or lets biopsy, I only know this since my diagnosis and this site and Internet. searches. I just wished I'd known before, I just trusted the professionals knew!

Hi Northerner,

I think it depends where you are in the country as to whether they biopsy calcifications or watch and wait, I've found this out since my diagnosis.

Hi peterawake I agree seems to be postcode lottery again .

whilst they were investigating this calcification I was told there was a smaller area that had been there in 2016 I was not told about that in 2016 . Cos non suspicious I presume .

.This is where there was some disagreement on total size 35 or 50mm .My Team Then did second biopsy on smaller area 15mm there had been changes but was non cancer. I made decision that I would consider area of concern to be 50mm so have mastectomy. 

I do feel fortunate that we appear to have a good team here and was treated speedily, but yes it should be same criterea everywhere for biopsy on calcification .

like I said I was upset at too much reassurance about calcification and now going down the track of had surgery now need chemo and herceptin.

Hi Northerner,

Your Team sound so on the ball. Wishing you all the best.