Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium in the breast. The shape and layout of microcalcifications help the radiologist judge how likely it is that the change is due to cancer.
But if they have a suspicious look and pattern, a biopsy will be recommended to check for cancer. A mass is an area of dense breast tissue with a shape and edges that make it look different than the rest of the breast tissue. Masses can be many things, including cysts non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs and non-cancerous solid tumors such as fibroadenomas , but they may also be a sign of cancer.
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. A cyst and a solid mass can feel the same. They can also look the same on a mammogram. To be sure, a breast ultrasound is often done because it is a better tool to see fluid-filled sacs.
Women with dense breasts as seen on a mammogram have a somewhat higher risk of breast cancer than women with fatty breasts [ ]. However, breast density does not appear to be related to breast cancer survival [ ]. Learn more about breast density and breast cancer risk. Dense breast tissue can make abnormal findings hard to see on a mammogram. Screening tools are under study for women with dense breasts. There are no special recommendations or breast cancer screening guidelines for women with dense breasts.
However, your health care provider may suggest other types of breast imaging in addition to regular mammograms. Many states in the U. In , the U. Congress passed national breast density legislation. The Food and Drug Administration FDA , which regulates mammography centers, is developing regulations for notification. Although this may seem helpful, there are no special recommendations or screening guidelines for women with dense breasts.
If you have any concerns about your breast density or your risk of breast cancer, talk with your health care provider. Some common benign breast conditions, such as cysts and fibroadenomas, may show up on mammograms as round or oval patches with distinct borders. These changes are not concerning for cancer and these finding are not abnormal.
Learn more about benign breast conditions. Most calcifications are benign not cancer. However, certain patterns of calcifications are suspicious and need more testing. Tight clusters or lines of tiny calcifications microcalcifications can be a sign of breast cancer. Calcifications are common, especially after age 50 [ 28 ]. They may be related to past injury to the breast or mastitis an infection in the breast [ 28 ].
In women treated for breast cancer in the past, calcifications may be related to past breast surgery or radiation therapy [ 28 ]. Having a regular mammogram is key to early detection of breast cancer.
Why is this such a key? There is a 99 percent 5-year survival rate for women who are diagnosed with cancer while it is still confined to the breast and most breast cancers are found at this stage. Even with an abnormal mammogram, the chances are you do not have breast cancer. Only 8 to 10 percent of women who are told they have an abnormal mammogram will need a biopsy, and of those biopsies, 80 percent show benign results.
This is a more in-depth series of diagnostic images that take a closer look at the areas of concern or repeat views of areas where the results were unclear. These tests use sound waves to create their images that are then displayed on a computer monitor. A hand-held transducer is moved firmly over your breast while you lie on your back. Ultrasounds can provide a better view of a mass or structure seen on the mammogram.
An MRI uses radio waves and magnets to build a detailed digital picture of internal structures. MRIs are painless, but headphones are provided to mask the noise involved. These tests will usually be sufficient to rule out the need for a biopsy.
But, as mentioned, in percent of cases a biopsy may be the next step. Your doctor will likely recommend a breast biopsy if an unexplained mass is found in your breast tissue.
The goal of a biopsy is to extract cells from within the mass for microscopic examination. Most biopsies are negative, meaning they are free of cancerous cells. When I first walked in, I was warmly greeted by Linda, the receptionist. Danielle, the mammography technician, is extremely professional and she is thorough. She gave me clear and precise directions throughout the process, also making sure that I was comfortable.
You like how I did that right? Not for nothing, to all the women out there, we know that this experience can be uncomfortable and not fun. I assure you, the ladies at Pure Mammography will help you through the process as much as possible.
Thank you Pure Mammography for your professionalism and for being you!
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