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Surgery for Calcifications/Cancer from Calcifications

Posted by fitchick40 @fitchick40, Nov 14, 2019

I have dense breast and I'm flat chested. Mammogram and Ultrasound again found a cluster of calcifications. They've been there for years but now the radiologist recommended a biopsy. The problem is the radiologist refuses to do a needle biopsy because the Calcifications are too close to the surface. My doctor refuses to give me any information so I was sent to a breast surgeon but had no idea why until I arrived. The surgeon said the needle biopsy can be done but since the radiologist refuses they must put me under and cut me open. I refused because the surgeon said he doesn't think I have cancer and the radiologist results on the ultrasound are wrong. They sent a request to my doctor to have me get a second opinion by another radiologist/hospital but there hasn't been any contact from doctor. Has anyone had breast cancer just from calcifications? Has anyone been cut open to remove calcifications? I feel like the system is broken and I'm being treated like a guinea pig.

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Nov 14, 2019

I am sorry you are in this situation! Is there a cancer center near you, where you can go for a second opinion? You get to choose where that happens and I always suggest outside the local network if possible. Also please go to one of the breast cancer advocacy sites and you can gain a wealth of information there. Now to your primary question, calcifications might not be cancer. Calcifications can be pre cancer, and a cluster of them certainly should be looked at closer. Better to stop it before it has a chance to get started, if it is those kinds of changes. They frequently cannot answer that until it is under a microscope. Sadly this type of lack of communication is too common, I ask doctors to be blunt, it serves us both and builds trust.
This is just one place where you can read good information on line.
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-support-groups

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1 reply
fitchick40 | @fitchick40 | Nov 14, 2019
In reply to @auntieoakley "I am sorry you are in this situation! Is there a cancer center near you, where..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

I am sorry you are in this situation! Is there a cancer center near you, where you can go for a second opinion? You get to choose where that happens and I always suggest outside the local network if possible. Also please go to one of the breast cancer advocacy sites and you can gain a wealth of information there. Now to your primary question, calcifications might not be cancer. Calcifications can be pre cancer, and a cluster of them certainly should be looked at closer. Better to stop it before it has a chance to get started, if it is those kinds of changes. They frequently cannot answer that until it is under a microscope. Sadly this type of lack of communication is too common, I ask doctors to be blunt, it serves us both and builds trust.
This is just one place where you can read good information on line.
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-support-groups

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Thanks but I live in a small town where there are limited options. No help from my doctor regarding a second opinion. I know it's serious but I don't trust the doctors involved. Time to find away to get out of state.

REPLY
elizm | @elizm | Nov 14, 2019

@fitchick40
What a predicament.... I would call the surgeon's office, explain the situation to his/her nurse navigator (they all have one under various names), and ask if the surgeon would be so kind as to refer you to another hospital's radiology department for a second opinion.

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cc168 | @cpp | Jan 8, 2023

Hi @fitchick40
Would you be kindly enough to share what have happened next? I’m running in the same situation and my doctor is just not care. I’m currently waiting for my initial consultation with breast surgeon for the surgical excision to remove the calcification (that was what the radiologist recommended)

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debbie2721 | @debbie2721 | Jan 9, 2023

I am so sorry to hear you are having this problem. I had a mammogram and calcifications were found. The radiologist recommended I have a stereostatic biopsy. The biopsy showed atypical ductal hyperplasia and I eas sent to a breast surgeon for a lumpectomy. Cancer wasn't found, but I was sent to an oncologist and prescribed anastrozole to reduce estrogen and prevent cancer. I think you should get a second opinion and a biopsy. Early detection has probably prevented cancer in the future for me. Be proactive and best wishes.

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