Understanding Mammogram Calcifications: What Do They Mean?

Question
QUESTION: I recently went for a second mammogram and ultrasound due to calcifications and changes noted in my breast from my mamo of two years ago.  I was told that someone would contact me - either via letter or phone call - with the results.  Needless to say, I am very anxious and can think of little else.  Is a positive outcome possible - or do calcifications almost always indicate breast cancer?  (I am 53 yo and post-menopausal)

ANSWER: No calcifications do not always mean breast cancer. It depends on what type of calcification that is seen. But it may indicate a cancer. Since I have not seen your pictures I can not tell you what it is in your case. Unfortunately you must wait for the reply. However a mammogram and an ultrasound scan are not an exact cancer diagnosis. For that at least a biopsy is needed. Please do keep me posted.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
To be more specific than in my last followup email, the screening mammogram reported multiple scattered microcalcifications in each breast.  A cluster of microcalcifications in the upper inner quadrant of the right breast appear slightly more pronounced than on the previous study.

As per my earlier question, are they more likely to indicate cancer than other types of calcification?  

Thank you for your time and expertise.


Answer
Thanks! Since you have a lot of such calcifications everywhere it is probably in your case a less sure sign of cancer BUT such a cluster MUST be investigated to make sure if it is a cancer or not. Such a cluster structure does indeed increase the suspicion of cancer! But it is suspicion not a sure sign. Such a cluster should be the obvious target of a (stereotactic) needle biopsy in order to make sure what it is!
Thanks again! An MRI breast scan could probably also be of some value in this situation!