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Breast Cancer/Calcifications on recent mammogram

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Expert: - 9/13/2007


Question
I recently went to for my annual mammogram.  I received a call from my gyn a week later and he said there were calcifications in both breasts which I didn't have last year.  He said they are few, scattered, and appear benign.  The radiologist recommended a 6 month follow-up mammogram.  My doctor wants to me get a second opinion from a surgeon, just to error on the side of caution.  Since I've never had an abnormal mammogram until now, I'm scared.  I have an appointment in 3 weeks with the surgeon.  I'm 50 years old, in perimenopause, and have no family history of breast cancer.  My questions are:  1) do calcifications sometimes just "show up" for no reason as one ages and 2) is it worse that they showed up in both breasts.

Answer
1. Yes that can happen. 2. No. Though I can not guarantee anything it is probable from your description that what you have is benign and not dangerous. Even more and better information can be obtained if your dr. sends you for breast MRI scans of both your breasts! Good luck!

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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