Question 1

what are clustered microcalcifications in a breast?

Accepted Answer

Abnormalities: They are area (s) of tiny calcium deposits, which  have high incidence of malignancy,  seen in the mammogram, can not feel them by examination, could be  small localised cancer tissue, and   need to be examined by microscope ( biopsy needed ).

Question 2

can you tell me clustered microcalcifications in the breast?

Accepted Answer

Go see a doctor: You need to have a clinical breast examination done by a nurse or a doctor. Further, a biopsy of your breast may be needed as clustered calcium deposits can be caused by early breast cancers called ductal carcinoma in situ (dcis). Ask your doctor to help you investigate this further.

Question 3

is there any difference between "grouped microcalcifications" and "clustered microcalcifications" in breast?

Accepted Answer

Not really: But, either description of the micro calcifications is suspicious and warrants further workup - magnification mammograms at least. 

Depending on what those show, a biopsy may be required to make a final diagnosis.

Please complete the workup!

Question 4

i have 2 large clusters of indeterminate microcalcifications in right breast. i'm 49, no fam. history or risk factors for bc. what % is benign?

Accepted Answer

Most: However, do not lose sight of the fact that most breast cancers are sporadic. That is not family related. A stereotactic core biopsy of these calcification will change from indeterminate to I know what you are. Although most calcification are benign you cannot be certain until the science says so

Question 5

could clusters of microcalcifications mean you have breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes yes: Depending on the appearance, but this is a finding on mammogram.  A biopsy is required to arrive at a definite diagnosis.

Question 6

wanted to know if clusters of microcalcifications mean you have breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: While stable calcifications over time (ie years) on a mammogram are less likely to be due to cancer, any changing calcifications are likely to come with the recommendation for a biopsy because of the correlation between changing calcifications and cancer.  The pattern of calcifications is interpreted by the radiologist as suspicious or benign.

Question 7

what type of biopsy is more accurate for large clusters of microcalcifications in the breast,
stereotactic core biopsy or wire guided open
surgery?

Accepted Answer

Open procedure: large cluster of microcalcification may be sign of DCIS.  Here one would want a biopsy indicating that there is or is not a process of mallgnant transformation. With a core bx one gets one site to examine.  In the open biopsy, after wire locatization, the entire area can be removed, examined and margins examined.  If malgiancy noted adequate margins must be achieved and may need further excision.

Question 8

is breast cancer risk increased with suspicious bilateral microcalcification clusters and large thickened nodule w/neg. us? how much?

Accepted Answer

Walk B4 U Run: Breast microcalcifications are very common, some of which may be associated with cancer. Radiologists will deem those suspicious enough to warrant biopsy as "birads 4 or 5".  If so, the next step is to have a (nonsurgical) biopsy for definitive diagnosis. A nodule seen on mammography but not on ultrasound will also be categorized as above. Your next step is to speak w/the dr. Who ordered the mamm.

Question 9

44 no fam hx breast cancer. mammo shows small cluster microcalcifications. i do have fibroglandular density with birad  2. don't smoke,high caffeine ?

Accepted Answer

BiRads II?: If your mammogram was read as Birads 2 you have less to worry about.  BI-RADS II is a benign category.   A cluster of microcacifications can be worrisome for breast-cancer.  You should probably clarify this result with your doc to make sure no further testing is needed as the results seem contradictory.  Best wishes!

Question 10

no family history of breast cancer.  44 years old. mammo shows small cluster of microcalcification in mlo view only of upper right breast. i do consume very high levels of caffeine.  do not smoke. healthy diet and exercise.  first abnormal mammo.  i do ha

Accepted Answer

See OB/GYN MD asap: Your question is cut-off, but from what is visible it is imperative that your 2D mammo findings of mircocalcification be followed up -- clinical breast exam, comparison to previous studies, consideration of MRI of breast and/or 3D Ultrasound. Do not ignore finding on your last mammo.

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Doctor answers about:

Breast microcalcification cluster

A member asked:

What are clustered microcalcifications in a breast?

A member asked:

Can you tell me clustered microcalcifications in the breast?

A member asked:

Is there any difference between "grouped microcalcifications" and "clustered microcalcifications" in breast?

A member asked:

I have 2 large clusters of indeterminate microcalcifications in right breast. i'm 49, no fam. history or risk factors for bc. what % is benign?

A member asked:

Could clusters of microcalcifications mean you have breast cancer?

A member asked:

Wanted to know if clusters of microcalcifications mean you have breast cancer?

A member asked:

What type of biopsy is more accurate for large clusters of microcalcifications in the breast, stereotactic core biopsy or wire guided open surgery?

A member asked:

Is breast cancer risk increased with suspicious bilateral microcalcification clusters and large thickened nodule w/neg. us? how much?

A member asked:

44 no fam hx breast cancer. mammo shows small cluster microcalcifications. i do have fibroglandular density with birad 2. don't smoke,high caffeine ?

A member asked:

No family history of breast cancer. 44 years old. mammo shows small cluster of microcalcification in mlo view only of upper right breast. i do consume very high levels of caffeine. do not smoke. healthy diet and exercise. first abnormal mammo. i do ha

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