If you go looking for trouble you will surely find it

I have just had an appointment through for a routine mammogram. The first one I had was three years ago. Suspicious calcifications were found and I had a biopsy. Thankfully they turned out to be benign.

Stupidly tonight I started googling to find out how often new ones appear. I was not worried about cancer particularly, but I found the biopsy and subsequent wait for results dreadful so I am worried about going through it again. I found this quoted on many different sites -

" Calcifications revealed on mammograms are thought to be associated with an increased risk of subsequent breast cancer. Women with calcifications in both breasts are at higher risk than women with calcifications in one breast. Women with any calcifications are at higher risk than women with none"

Oh darn-wish I hadn't found this. Has anyone else ever heard this and is it true? Sorry if I am freaking anyone else out because normally I am reassuring others about calcifications!


janet c

I have calcifications, and here is how it was explained to me: it is normal to have calcifications, they can be places where you bumped yourself or whatever over the years. But on the other hand, calcifications can be evidence of a tumor growing. There is nothing wrong with calcs themselves -- they are only bad if they are evidence of tumor growth, and in the vast majority of cases they are not. There is a pattern associated with the types of cals that correlate with tumor growth, and that is what they try to look for on your callback.

I'm sure it will be fine, Janet C. My radiologist was very clear about calcifications being completely normal in and of themselves, and only bad if they were CAUSED by something bad. It's an imperfect analogy, but sort of similar to the way uterine bleeding is not worrying in and of itself, UNLESS that bleeding is caused by the growth of a tumor.

Hi i had benign microcalifications in both breast over 12 years ago they were biopsied and removed and so far they haven't return as for a precursor to breast cancer i haven't read or heard anything about it.The best thing to do is not google info if it gets you scared. I say worry when there is a thing to worry about easier said then done and i am good about doing that. Terry

I too had calcifications back in 1992..found during my very first mammogram. I had a biopsy done where the doctor removed them. They were found to be benign and I haven't had any problems since.

I have been called back a few times for additional pictures but nothing was found. From what they told me at the time was that certain calcifications can become cancerous and they can tell that from the biopsy.

I wouldn't worry about something that may never happen...I have googled many things and have scared myself too many times.

I have calcifications in both breasts that have been followed for the last 7 years (now age 47). Both radiologist, gyn's and breast surgeon say it is very common in midlife breasts. Part of the atrophy of breast ducts/tissue. Very very common. My gyn has me followed by a breast oncologist/surgeon who merely palpitates the tissue, reviews mammogram reports and orders mri or ultrasound if necessary. Never have had cancer but defer to the experts on the calcifications and appropriate monitoring. AND, I leave the worrying to them. Again, calcifications are very common. Regards, JZZ

Thanks everyone-sorry, I shouldn't google
To be honest my hubby suggested I didn't go for any more mammos because I went thru all that trauma for nothing last time in the same year I had my endo cancer.That's his way of dealing with things-don't go looking for trouble.

He won't go for any well- man checks and would never have a prostate check-even though he should at 57!

I was just having a look to make a decision about it because just for a moment he made me doubt myself and then I came across that info.
I'm going to go anyway now-don't worry.I know it's the right thing to do. Men!!

janet c

janetc- I just want to make a comment about the prostate checks your husband won't have...mine did at age 45 and he was found to have prostate cancer. He had surgery in 2001 and last year did radiation just to be certain. The doctor told him if he hadn't insisted on the PSA test he would not be here today.

He had no symptoms and luckily it hadn't gone into his lymph nodes. Please tell your husband it is only a blood test and if it shows something then they will do the other exam. It SAVED my husbands life and I couldn't imagine being here without him...

Kim

Thanks for your advice Kim but absolutely NO WAY. My husband has a real thing about all these checks. He has seen me and various members of his family go through so many horrid tests he always says-"they are not getting their hands on me!".
He goes ballistic if I even hint at anything like that. He just doesn't agree with it.
If he is ill he goes to the doctor and if he had the symptoms of prostate trouble he would go. He just doesn't agree with looking for trouble. When our three adult daughters come over and we start talking about anything at all health related he makes us change the subject.
Yes he obviously has a problem, but he has such a strong personality I am too afraid of the fallout if I were to mention it.
He smokes cigars-about 10 small ones a day and drinks about 2 bottles of wine a night but he has never had a day's illness in his life.
I have always looked after myself and never smoked, used oral contaception or HRT and yet I was the one who got endometrial cancer. So go figure.
I just enjoy what we have and try not to worry as he is in great shape at present. What else can I do???

janet c

My husband was in great shape also and NEVER sick...I guess if he doesn't want to get it checked then there is nothing you can do. It is just a simple blood test which I am surprised the doctor has never ordered.

See my dad had prostate cancer also and was treated and okay for 20 years. Now it is in his bones and he is suffering something terrible. So I guess it is just something I am really concerned about. My boys will start being tested when they are 35 which is what the doctor has told us.

I hope your husband stays in terrific shape and things go well for you too!

Kim