Large calcification found in breast

A 7 cm, asymmetric, or irregular calcification requires further evaluation, often starting with diagnostic mammography then determining if a core biopsy is needed. While many breast calcifications are benign (caused by aging, inflammation, or injury), suspicious, clustered, or new findings may indicate DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) or early breast cancer.

But what ever the finding; they are finding it early.
I quoted a radiologist recently. He said that if you have regular mammograms and check ups that no matter what is found you are finding it as early as possible and giving yourself the best possible chance for a good outcome. He said that made every finding a good finding.
I didn't think that would be as comforting as it has been for me, but it seems to take away the craziness that I experience about wondering what to do or what I should have done better. I have done the best that I can and will have the best possible outcome because I have done the best that I can do.

Hi @kathleen1314, you provided nice information but i have to disagree with the radiologist quoted. Mammograms do not catch all lesions especially with dense breasts, and most breast cancers are not found by palpation at regular checkups.
In 2022 my diagnostic mammogram report said what was imaged was an unusual folded lymph node that was comparable to images seen at my last two mammograms (2 years ago!), deemed to be birads 2 and come back in 6 months for another mammogram.
My further questioning led to a biopsy showing it was a 1.6 cm grade 2 DCIS. I have dense breasts, a follow up MRI was very clear that it was DCIS.
I did do the best that I could, but it wasn’t because the radiologist said I was just fine.

@triciaot
I am so sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with DCIS, but so glad that you were your own advocate and listened to yourself. We know our bodies best I always believe. I hope that you are doing well and continue to be your best advocate.

Just to clarify, the radiologist was not saying that all lesions are caught just comparing that if they found nothing or if they found something that it was a good day because they were finding it early, as long as you had regular mammograms.

@kathleen1314 or MRIs, mammogram missed mine.

@kathleen1314 @triciaot
I have to agree with @triciaot. I had mammogram every year and every year it was NED. When I found the cyst, my dr ordered another diagnostic mammogram. It didn’t show the cancer cyst. Still NED! Because the cyst was palpable, I had an ultrasound, a needle biopsy, excisional biopsy to dx with IDC.

@myoga
I recently attended a presentation about breast cancer and was disappointed that the self breast exam is now discouraged. When it comes to my health, I’d rather err on the side of caution. Lots of women on this forum found their lumps by self exam.

@myoga
Yes, based on both of your reportings I continue to check myself, have mammograms and my doctor checks at my wellness check every year.
Layered protection seems to be the best.

@triciaot OMYGOSH. Good for you. Follow your intuitions and advocate for yourself. Everyone should read your post.

@claunch, how is your family member doing? Did they have the biopsy?

She has a biopsy scheduled in two weeks. Her situation has been difficult (somewhat puzzling) because the recommendation following her first diagnostic mammogram (a local center) was to return in several months after treatment with an antibiotic. For several reasons, she decided to seek a second opinion, and another diagnostic mammogram at a major center known for cancer treatment and research. It was there they found the calcification and have scheduled the biopsy.
Thanks for your inquiry.