Microcalcifications in tumour bed
 

Hello

I posted recently that my four year post-op mammogram and ultrasound were clear, but when I received the pathology report, I found there were benign microcalcifications over the tumour site, which had been there for a year (news to me!) and were entirely unchanged. No further investigation. Tamoxifen for another year, as I am strongly ER+ and PR+.

Being weakly HER2+ and having had some comedo necrosis DCIS along with a small tumour, I am slightly concerned, but also trust my medics.

Has anyone else had benign, stable microcalcifications over the tumour bed?

Mcgle (UK)

Re: Microcalcifications in tumour bed
 

I have calcifications there and elsewhere. Mine are not micro but larger - like round dots (the size of the end of a pin). Calcifications form due to injury or in cancer (I think it might be the body's way of trying to "wall it off"). It is when they cluster (I saw this on my own "bad" mammogram - 10 or so clustered here and 10 or so clustered there.

Radiologists always compare to make sure they don't move or change just to make sure there is nothing underneath them.

Relax - you had a good mammogram!

Re: Microcalcifications in tumour bed
 

Becky

It was the word microcalcifications which gave me the heebie-jeebies; had it been macrocalcifications (like yours sound), I would not have been so concerned.

If DCIS does return, is it just bad luck or because the surgery and rads did not do the necessary?

Trying not to go there, though was told if it does come back, even if tiny, I would need a mastectomy.

Mcgle (UK)

Re: Microcalcifications in tumour bed
 

Well, the masectomy part is true (if it returns) just because you've had radiation and cannot get it again.

I think for additional peace of mind, perhaps you should have your medical team review the pictures (the whole set from this time and last time and any time the calcifications were present). Especially your surgeon and your rad onc. See what they think. I'll admit that micro is different than my boulders but I was always under the assumption that clustering was the significant thing.

Re: Microcalcifications in tumour bed
 

Thanks for replying again, Becky.

Apparently, they were viewed for the first time last year, as the lymphoedema in my breast had improved. Who knows how long they have been there?

They are benign, stromal microcalcifications and are currently of no clinical concern.

I have read benign microcalcifications don't suddenly become malignant; bad ones are there from the word go.

Mcgle (UK)

Re: Microcalcifications in tumour bed
 

Apparently I have macrocalcifications in my other breast. They asked for extra pics when I had my mammograms done after the lumpectomy. Then said everything was fine. It was not until I read the report I saw the words macrocalcifications.

It did scare me at first, but I know they are being watched. My onc and surgeon feel they are not a problem.

Sometimes I wish I wouldn't read all the reports. TMI

Try not to worry! Easy to say, I tell myself that at least 10 times a day for a "what if" pain or twinge.

Re: Microcalcifications in tumour bed
 

Sometimes I wish I wouldn't read all the reports. TMI.

How I can identify with that, Donna. But we can't help the way we are wired ...

Mcgle (UK)