Calcium buildup?

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Dharma - 26 Dec 2003 22:15 GMT

Hi all,

I went to the doctor last Monday like I was suppose to. I told him
about the tiny lump so he examined me. He said that he THINKS that
this tiny lump is calcium buildup. I never heard of this. I am
scheduled for a mammogram on January 8th. I don't know if it's a
concern or not because wouldn't think if it was something to be
concerned about that he would have gotten me in for a mammo sooner? I
just want to know if I should be concerned?

Thanks,
Dharma

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Alex - 27 Dec 2003 14:09 GMT

Calcifications (also called microcalcification) are calcium deposits
in the breast. They may be caused by an old injury to the breast or
calcified cellular debris. These small calcium deposits are often seen
in clusters on a mammogram. Calcifications are signs of changes within
the breast and certain patterns of calcifications can be associated
with cancer. Eighty to eighty-five percent of calcifications are
benign (non-cancerous). They are not associated with calcium in a
woman's diet or with calcium supplements.

January 8th is not a long wait. In my area the wait is up to 6 months.
I went to my GYN who felt an area of concern in my good breast and as
a known Breast Cancer survivor I had to wait almost a week to get the
mammogram and ultrasound done. Good luck -most of these turn out to be
nothing but it is better to be safe than sorry.
ALex

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Dharma - 27 Dec 2003 21:21 GMT

Thank you Alex :) I told some of my close friends about this and they
said that it was nothing to worry about, IF that is what it actually
is. I guess the mammogram will tell.

You mentioned changes in the breast, could the changes also be caused
from maybe the starting of menopause or peri-menopause?

The reason why I was a bit concerned with the 2 week wait for the
mammo because friends have told me that if the doctor thought it was
serious he would have got me in for the mammo sooner.

I am still quite worried about this. I have been having nightmares
quite a bit. Let me tell you, this whole thing has opened up my eyes
and has made me more aware of what it is all about and it has made me
realize that the breast self-examination is VERY important to do.

Thank you so much,
Dharma

> Calcifications (also called microcalcification) are calcium deposits
> in the breast. They may be caused by an old injury to the breast or
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> nothing but it is better to be safe than sorry.
> ALex

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alexk - 28 Dec 2003 00:40 GMT

I agree with your friends if your MD thought is was critical they would
have pushed for it sooner. And if it is Calcifications it will show up on
mammogram and you will know farily quickly if you can stop worrying.
I agree Self Breast exam is critical..but I had a large tumor 2.5- 3 cm
that no one could feel...so I have alot of faith in mammography.

As far as the nightmares go..perhaps you could call the mammograph center
and ask if there are any cancellations.
Or you could ask your doc for something to help you with sleep.

> Thank you Alex :) I told some of my close friends about this and they
> said that it was nothing to worry about, IF that is what it actually
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
> > nothing but it is better to be safe than sorry.
> > ALex

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