Hi, I had my appointment at the breast clinic via GP referral last Friday and they found some unusual things.
The Dr agreed she could feel a thickening or lump. The first mammogram showed clusters of calcifications so they did a 2nd one more magnified. The ultrasound showed ‘distortions in the breast tissue’ and they took 3 core biopsy samples & sent me for a 3rd mammogram to check the clip was placed correctly.
The Dr saw me at the end and said “there is something there but we don’t know what. The breast tissue doesn’t look how we’d expect it to & there are calcifications”. She did say she was completely on the fence, couldn’t call it either way. I asked if she was worried and she said “no, but that’s because I don’t know what it is”.
I’ve read on this site that calcifications with a lump or tissue changes aren’t great & are more likely to indicate cancer, and elsewhere read architectural distortions are an indicator of cancer.
I know I have to wait for the biopsy results, but it would be helpful to hear if these are things which together have a higher risk of being cancer. I’m keeping an open mind but it feels like there were too many things found for it not to be cancer. My appointment is on the 16th, I was due to be away with work but the Dr was quite clear that I cancel that work trip which makes me think perhaps she’s more on the side of the fence where I’ll have a bit of battle ahead. An aunt on my dad’s side had inflammatory breast cancer twice, once in her 30s I think, the 2nd in her 60s when it beat her.
Hi 2kittens,
Sorry you’re feeling so worried about calcifications found on your mammogram. You can phone the breast clinic and speak to one of the nurses.
Usually with calcifications they will grade them as looking benign, indeterminate or suspicious depending on how they looked on the mammogram and whether they were microcalcifications which look like tiny grains of sand. Only the biopsy will tell for sure but you may get a better idea if you speak to the nurse who may be able to give you more information. Waiting for biopsies is pretty grim for everyone, it’s horrible waiting.
Calcifications aren’t always malignant, but sometimes they can be. That’s how my breast cancer was found on a screening mammogram, but that doesn’t mean that will be your situation. The only positive - if there is ever a positive, is that usually calcifications are a very early breast cancer that is much easier to treat.
Good luck with the biopsy results. Stay busy to distract yourself, not easy I know. Take care.
Frances
Thank you. I have a palpable lump too, and the breast tissue had distortions on the ultrasound. The lump clearly has an end at one side but the other just blends into the tissue which is definitely thicker around the side of my breast.
I’ve convinced myself it’s cancer to the point I don’t think I’ll believe them if they say it’s not, like I’ll think they’ve missed something. I’m away for work for 3 days this week so hopefully that will be a distraction.
Back in June when I had my biopsy they told me there and then it was cancer. They didn’t have the results but from their experience they knew it on the imaging. I think you have the advantage of them not being sure so you have a chance that it is not. If I were you I would prepare for the worst but hope for the best. If it is you are in good hands - the NHS is so good at cancer treatment - it will be tough but you will get through it.
Hello 2kittens,
Thanks for posting.
It sounds like you are going through a worrying time waiting for biopsy results.
As @Frances55 says, only the biopsies can tell you exactly what these things are, and waiting can be difficult.
Although breast calcifications are usually benign, occasionally they can be associated with an early breast cancer which is why they are always taken seriously. If it is unclear from the first mammogram, or if they look uncertain or suspicious then further tests such as core biopsies and mammograms like you have had are required.
As your doctor said, at this stage and without the results, it is not possible to say whether your symptoms have a higher risk of being cancer.
It’s good that you are keeping an open mind, but it is also normal to feel anxious when you’re waiting for results. Some people say waiting for results is the most worrying part of the whole process, whatever the outcome is. Whilst you are waiting it is often better to stay away from searching for information online as this can often drive fear and anxiety.
You mention that your aunt had breast cancer twice and it may help you to know that most breast cancers aren’t inherited. There are only a small number of people who will be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer because they have a significant family history.
You may find it would help you more to talk things through. You could call our helpline team who have time to listen, help you make sense of things and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Angela
Breast Care Nurse
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