Calcification, awaiting biopsy results

Hi there,

I know I'm panicking, and possibly for no reason, but I was recalled following a routine mammogram today and it was more stressful than I thought it would be. I was shown my mammogram, which showed a cluster of white dots (calcification), then had an ultrasound then a mammogram guided biopsy. I have to wait 8 days for the results. I just wondered if others had had the same procedure and what the next stage of treatment was? 

 

  • Hi Kerrylouise

    Sorry to read that you're worried about calcifications found after a routine mammogram.  My situation was the same as yours back in December last year when I was recalled and told they had found calcifications.  I'd never heard of them before.

    It can be helpful to know how they have defined them, e.g non suspicious, indeterminate, etc.  mine were indeterminate so I had a biopsy.  Mine were malignant but all very low grade and stage. They found DCIS and a very small invasive.  I went on to have a mastectomy as other areas were found but 8 months post surgery and I'm pretty much back to normal.   Apart from Tamoxifen, no further treatment was needed.  It was all a difficult time but you get through it.

    I've learned that calcifications are very common and they can be found throughout the breast especially after menopause. They worry if there is a small cluster of them in one area as this could be indicative of an early breast cancer (DCIS), but not always, they can be benign too.

    Waiting for biopsy results is absolutely horrific and the worst time in the whole process.  Unfortunately there is no point speculating or googling as you just won't know until they tell you.  Try to stay busy and distract yourself.  You will be called back and told your results.  If it's good news you can skip out of there and go and celebrate.  If it is an early breast cancer then you can feel relieved that it will have been found early and is therefore very treatable.  You will be very well looked after and it will get sorted.  Try not to jump ahead for now though.  Remember these could be benign and your situation could well be different to mine.

    Keeping my fingers crossed for you.  
    Mary 

  • Thank you so much marywj, for your reply. 

    I'm so sorry to hear that you have been through so much, but I'm also pleased to hear you have bounced back well. 

    Mine are in one cluster in one breast, so I think that is why they biopsied. I have pretty much read everything on the internet (I know, stupid!). Yes, I think my mission now is to distract myself as much as possible until I get the results. I think I will feel better once I know what I'm dealing with (if anything). 

    I really hope you continue to be well and thanks again for your reply xx

  • Totally.  Once you know what your dealing with you will feel much better.  All the uncertainty is really stressful.  Whatever happens, you'll be okay.  You've got this!  
    Thanks for your good wishes.

    Mary x 

  • I was referred after a routine mammogram a few mammograms ago - same thing - calcification  in a cluster in one breast, biopsied and a marker left in. I got my results by phone a few days later - benign, nothing to worry about and back to routine mammograms. Hopefully you will get the same outcome.

  • Hi Leni56,

    Thank you, that is very reassuring. I am glad you had a positive result.

    Best wishes,

    Kerry x

  • Hi Kerrylouise,

    I had the exact same thing happen to me. Calcifications, biopsy, marker put in. Results were benign. 

    Laura xx

  •  

    Hi Kerrylouise,

    We all know what a worrying time it is when you are waiting for results. Here's hoping that there is nothing untoward present and you can go back to your routine mammograms. Was this your first or have you had a few before? More people are recalled after their first mammogram than after any other. This is because there is nothing to compare the findings to. 

    Even if the worst should happen. You have caught this in the early stages. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and have had a lumpectomy, then a double mastectomy the following year. I stopped taking hormone therapy 7 and a half years later and, like others above, I have not looked back since.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Remember that we are always here for you.

    Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you for your reply Jolamine. I'm sorry to hear that you have been through so much, but it sounds like you are doing great now, which is brilliant.

    This was my second mammogram, my first was in 2020. I'm ok, I'm just trying to keep myself busy, though my mind seems to luck in early in the morning when it's quiet. I know I'll be fine, whatever the results, I am just keen to know. Not too much longer to wait now. I'll keep you posted.

    Thanks for your kind words xxxx

  • That's reassuring, thanks Laura. I'm glad you're ok xx

  •  

    Hi Kerrylouise,

    If this was only your second mammogram, there still isn't much there to compare what is normal for you. I always found that my brain went into overdrive in the early hours of the morning and led reign to my overactive imagination. I'm sure that you'll cope, whatever the outcome, but here's hoping that your results are the same as the good examples above.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx