What are Linear Calcifications in your Breast? - Cancer: Breast Message Board

tamlis · 05-16-2008, 12:50 AM

I had a mammogram last week and my doctor called and said I have new multiple linear heterogeneous calcifications in my left breast. I am now having a spot compression test done tomorrow. Is this anything to be concerned about? Why wouldnt I just have a ultrasound?

I have not had pain and breast cancer doesnt run in my family. I am postmenopausal.

Thanks

ellemae11 · 05-16-2008, 05:56 AM

Linear calcifications means they are in a line. They can show up from a previous breast surgery, injury, or they can mean there is cancer in a duct(DCIS).

I am sure doing the spot compression the technologist will do a magnified image. This will allow the radiologist to see the shape and direction these are going.

Ultrasound will not show these tiny calcifications.

tamlis · 05-16-2008, 04:40 PM

Thanks ellemae for the info.

I am back from my 2 hour spot compression test , which the radiologist has decided I need a biopsy.

I was told I would have a Stereotactic Needle Core Biopsy. I am having this done at the same place I had my mammogram with the radiologist doing the biopsy. My sister and Mom has had biopsies and had a surgeon do theirs. Is there a difference?

How long does it take to get results? Also the nurse was asking me if I ever had cancer anywhere before and I remembered about 10 years ago or so I had a couple of suspicious paps and had 2 different cone biopsies on my cervix which I was told I had Class III cervical dyspalgia (isnt that the one that is in situ?) Do you think this could be related to my cervical abnormalities?

Sorry I hope Im making sense. Thanks for all your help.

ellemae11 · 05-17-2008, 04:51 AM

Stereotactic Core Biopsy is not done surgically. You will lay on an x-ray table with your breast through a hole in the table. The breast will be compressed and pictures taken for coordanance. You should be well numbed as they do not want you to move. If that happens they must do more pictures to realign you. When the radiologist and tech are ready they will fire the needle. Is is VERY quick. This is done several times. It takes our a small amount if tissue each time and this is taken to pathology.
It depends on the lab as to how soon you will hear. Ask the radiologist. Sometimes they are the ones to call you. It depends on the facility.

Breast cancer is a primary cancer meaning it starts with breast. However some cancers can show up in lymph nodes in the breast. Uterine/ovarian is one. Those however usually do not show up as linear calcifications tracking through the breast.

It is very common to see these type of calcifications after a trauma to the breast. An accident (seat belt injury),surgery, falling and hitting the breast, etc. In that scenario they are benign. So this is not a positive cancer thing yet!

When cancer grows through the ducts it cast off waste. This is what shows up as calcifications.
It is difficult for the radiologist to tell which process is happening without a biopsy.
Good luck on the test and I hope you don't have to wait to long for the test.

tamlis · 05-17-2008, 10:02 AM

Thanks ellemae.

This was compared to my mammogram I had 2 years ago and I cant remember any accident in between there.....

Oh, whats the difference if you have it biopsed surgically? The nurse had talked about that option, something about inserting a metal wire and then having the spot biopsed. That sounded bad too. The only reason they discussed this with me is I have knee problems and they were concerned about me getting up the steps, but I also have neck problems concerning disk surgery I had last year and am afraid I woun't be able to lay on my stomach for very long (nurse said about 30 minutes) She said I could take some pain killers before I came. Do you know anything about this kind of procedure? Whats the benefits?

Thanks again