Hello all, I hope someone can answer some questions for me. I am 48 years old. A couple of weeks ago I had a screening mammogram. I received a letter from the hospital saying there were some findings that need further studies and to call my doctor. My doctor's office said I need another mammogram on the right side because of calcifications, so I was able to get an appointment for tomorrow due to a cancellation (thank goodness). I have fibrocystic breasts and have been called back in the past for ultrasounds and needle aspirations due to cysts, but have never been told I had calcifications until now. Can calcifications be inside benign cysts? If this was something to worry about, wouldn't they schedule me for an ultrasound, rather than another mammogram? Thanks for any insight into this! By the way, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 60, and thought she was cancer-free for 7 years when it turned up in her spine. She died at age 69.

Well, I had a diagnostic mammogram today on one side. Afterward, the tech came back to my dressing room and told me that the radiologist looked at the film and said that it's "probably" benign and to come back in 6 months for another mammogram and and ultrasound just to be sure. I asked whether I could get the ultrasound now "just to be sure" and she said that the radiologist recommended 6 months and they would send the report to my doctor. I'm not sure what to think, but I guess I should just try to put it out of my mind for 6 months.

Lynn,
I had those calcifcation in the breast , but stopped drinking caffine drinks and candy choc . Hated to give up and I don't have anymore and my cyst were not cancerous and go back every year to a mammagram . I have had ultra sound also a test done . I talked with my GY and he said as long as I follow to lay off the coffe and other drinks no new fiber cyst have shown up .

Try not to worry and if it is something then it is early . I go every year for my check up and don't put it off . Keep us posted .

I am going through the same thing. I am 42, had my annual mammogram back in May and I have calcifications as well. I have a cyst that was aspirated a few times and it keeps coming back but sent to the lab and all ok. So this is the first time I ever heard "calcifications", I am told to go back in 6 months (Nov) for a follow-up mammogram. I am trying not to think or worry about it. Neither the mammogram place or my doctor seem concerned. They mentioned they are just checking for stability which I think they are doing for you as well. Keeping fingers crossed all ok for the both of us.

Thanks for your comments ladies. I have lots of cysts (and have for years), and just thought it a little worrisome that only one particular area had calcifications, which is something new for me. I only drink caffeinated drinks occasionally, but do like chocolate. As much as I love chocolate, maybe I should lay off it for a while to see if the cysts and calcifications will go away. The hospital where I get my mammograms is supposed to get digital mammography next year, so I'm happy about that since digital is supposed to be more accurate on dense breast tissue like mine. It's really scary how much cancer is reportedly missed on dense tissue.

Lynne

I am going through the same thing. I am 42, had my annual mammogram back in May and I have calcifications as well. I have a cyst that was aspirated a few times and it keeps coming back but sent to the lab and all ok. So this is the first time I ever heard "calcifications", I am told to go back in 6 months (Nov) for a follow-up mammogram. I am trying not to think or worry about it. Neither the mammogram place or my doctor seem concerned. They mentioned they are just checking for stability which I think they are doing for you as well. Keeping fingers crossed all ok for the both of us.

Hi,
I also had calcifications for 3 years and they did not change until this year age 39. There were more of them and they were clumped together, I had a biopsy and it was breast cancer. They do say usually calcifications are benign. Hopefully yours will stay that way but just keep up on the mamograms and if you have any changes demand a biopsy.
JoJo

JoJo, what stage was your cancer?

Lynne

Hi Lynne,

I had stage 2 breast cancer. There was no lump in my breast that you could feel, and the cancer spread to my lymph nodes under my armpit. The calcifications had changed this year in my mamo, I have been having them since age 35 because my mom had breast cancer 17 years ago and then in the other breast 7 years ago, and she is doing great. I chose to have a double mast, then had chemo. I have one more treatment than 6 weeks of radiation. I wish you well, just keep on top of it and you demand what you want.
Take Care,
JoJo

Thanks JoJo. I bet most doctors wouldn't be so quick to suggest waiting 6 months to do an ultrasound or further follow-up if it was their wife or mother especially when dealing with dense tissue. It was the radiologist who said to come back in 6 months... I might call my GYN and get his opinion. Thanks for sharing your story, and best of luck to you as well.

Lynne

Hi Lynne,

I hear you, I would call your gyn also. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. Good Luck and take care,
JoJo