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Calcifications in remaining breast increase risk?

Page last modified on: October 7, 2008
Question from Peggy: I am 50 years old and was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer two years ago. I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I had negative sentinel lymph nodes and four rounds of Taxol. I took tamoxifen for one year and switched to Femara for the last year. On my recent mammogram, new benign calcifications were identified. What is my risk for tumor in my remaining breast? What are the implications of calcifications?
Answers —Lynn Hartmann, M.D.: In general, with no family history the risk of a cancer in the opposite breast is about 1% per year out to about a 15% risk overall. To my mind, the benign-appearing calcifications do not suggest an increase in that risk.
Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: The fact that the calcifications are new would raise a question in my mind to make sure that they have been evaluated appropriately with spot magnification views and assessment by either a second radiologist or breast surgeon to determine their nature. If there is any question that they are anything but benign, a biopsy may be indicated.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Risk Reduction. Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about a variety of topics such as screening with mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds; breast biopsies; lifestyle changes that make a difference; and making hard decisions about prophylactic surgeries.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D.Lynn Hartmann, M.D. is a professor of oncology at the Mayo Clinic and associate director for education of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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