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Do I Need A Mammogram For Microcalcifications In Breast?

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Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014
Twitter Mon, 12 May 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 2 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : Do I need a mammogram after so many tests ??
About 10 yrs ago, right after menopause I had a mammogram that show microcalcifications. It had been about 10 years since my previous mammogram.

I was sent to a highly regarded group in Atlanta that cares for high risk patients and includes some well known surgeons. I had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. The 'spots' were scattered and not the shape that are worriesome. We did diagnostic mammograms and U/S every 6 months for 2 years and then went to yearly. The 10 plus microcalcifications never changed and there were no concerns in the breast. From the first visit, dx'd 'benign'.

I had colon cancer in XXXXXXX 2009 and had my last mammogram XXXXXXX 2010. Feb. 2012 the colon cancer was found as a tiny spot on my liver. Surgery was done and I'm NED for over 2 years. In the last 26 months I've had 1 full body CT w/ iodine, (developed allergy), 7 full body PET/CT scans, 1 Chest CT and MRI of the abdomen last month. All have shown no areas of any concern. My next CT/MRI are in Oct. Should I schedule a Mammogram or since the microcalcifications were of no concern for so many years and all these other tests are being done, can I wait until the CT's and PET's are not as often? I am 63, very small breasted and had fibrocystic breasts since age 32 (ish). Breast fed all my children for up to 2 years each. Menopause at 54. Fibrocytic condition disappeared after menopause. No lumps, bumps, any concerns. Regular mammograms since age 32 except for the last few years.
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Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You should go for mammography.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

You should go for mammography.Last mammography was done almost 4.4 years back.
CT Scan and PET scan can't replace mammography.
Mammography uses low voltage X-ray technique for breast imaging and it shows excellent contrast of soft tissues.
It is ideal for follow up imaging in microcalcifications in breast.
CT scan can't provide resolution that is needed for breast imaging.

MRI breast is ideal for breast pathology,but its utility is limited in detecting calcifications because MRI is not ideal for lesions that contain calcifications.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Indu Kumar

Radiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 6728 Questions

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Do I Need A Mammogram For Microcalcifications In Breast?

Brief Answer: You should go for mammography. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXX Thanks for writing to HCM You should go for mammography.Last mammography was done almost 4.4 years back. CT Scan and PET scan can't replace mammography. Mammography uses low voltage X-ray technique for breast imaging and it shows excellent contrast of soft tissues. It is ideal for follow up imaging in microcalcifications in breast. CT scan can't provide resolution that is needed for breast imaging. MRI breast is ideal for breast pathology,but its utility is limited in detecting calcifications because MRI is not ideal for lesions that contain calcifications. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX