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I posted a few weeks ago about my mamo results being highly suspicious due to significant increase in calcifications and two palapable masses at 9:00 and 12:00. I had breast reduction in September 2009. Mamo Jan 2010 was normal and Mamo in Jan 2011 showed minor amounts of calcifications so again normal. For this mamo, radiologist said he has never seen such a signifcant increase from one year to the other in calcifications or growth of fat necrosis so recommended sterotatic biopsy. I had biopsy and results were good. However, both my oncologist surgeon and plastic surgeon said I would have to be closely monitored going forward. I don't see them for a few weeks and have some questions.1 - What does close monitoring entail? More frequent mamo's, more biopsy?2 - If calcifications and fat necrosis continue to grow at a significant rate, what is the recommended course of treatment? Possible surgical removal?I am in the medium / high risk level for breast cancer as I have four generations above me (maternal side) who have had it (mom and aunt both in mid 50"s), I have thyriod cancer and have had two rounds of radiation within 18 months.
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Female Person's Age: 48
Thanks for your questions and I understand your concerns. The thyroid cancer doesn't have much to do with breast cancer. As previously stated, fat necrosis and eventual calcifications in the tissue sometimes occur and increase over the course of several years in breast with scarring from reduction mammoplasty. With your history of previous biopsy which did not show any cancer, the calcifications are most likely due to the reduction. But because of your strong family history of breast cancer, both you and your doctors have an increased awareness and concern for calcifications because calcifications and feeling a growth can indicate a breast cancer. Both you and your doctors want to monitor your breast more closely and mammograms every year with a scan if any growth is seen is indicated. If your doctor feels that there is increase in a mass or growth in your breast (or if you do) , this also may lead to another biopsy. If fat necrosis and calcifications grow at a significant rate and the fear of you or your doctor leads to the need for frequent biopsies, then this can lead to eventual breast removal and reconstruction. It is probable that the fat necrosis and calcium deposits will eventually stop increasing and when the breast are stable for awhile (several years), then changes in feeling and x-ray will no longer occur and the level of concern will decrease, although yearly exams and mammograms will continue to be necessary
Experience: 35 years experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Certified by the American Board