YOUR HEALTH
Breast calcifications do not always indicate cancer
DR. DONOHUE

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: In the past six months, I have had three mammograms. The findings are always the same -- microcalcifications in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast.

No one has told me what microcalcifications in the breast are. I had a biopsy years ago, and it was revealed that the calcifications were benign. I have occasional sharp pains in that breast. I would appreciate your help. -- J.C.

ANSWER: Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium. Calcifications don't always sound the cancer alarm. The body patches up many things by plastering calcium over them. Past breast trauma -- a bump that didn't even register on your consciousness -- might have led to calcifications in your breast. Calcium in minute breast blood vessels is another possibility. Benign breast growths can become calcified.

On the other hand, microcalcifications can be a warning sign of cancer. The doctors who interpret mammograms evaluate such calcium specks by their size, the pattern of their arrangement, their shape and their location in order to distinguish harmless calcifications from the harmful ones. Sometimes the call is difficult and no clearly positive statement can be made. In order not to make a tragic mistake, follow-up evaluations are needed to spot any changes. If doubt still exists, a biopsy might be able to resolve the question.

Did you have a mammogram at the time your biopsy was taken in the past? If you did, that mammogram would be most informative in interpreting your current mammograms.

Stick with the program. It's better to err on the side of caution than to miss a serious condition.

Breast pain is not a common indication of cancer. I don't know what your occasional sharp pain is, but it's not likely to be a cancer sign.

The booklet on breast cancer goes into the diagnosis and treatment of this common cancer. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 1101, Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you explain arthroscopic knee surgery? Much pain? How long is one laid up? -- K.M.

ANSWER: An arthroscope is a pencil-thick scope through which the surgeon gets a good view of the knee joint. It's inserted through a small incision. Two other small incisions are made -- one for instruments and another for an irrigation device. The doctor can perform corrective surgery without making a large cut into the knee. Pain is much less than the pain of traditional surgery. A person can return to work in a week or less and is doing everything he or she ever did within six weeks of the procedure.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall. com. 2006 North America Syndicate Inc. All Rights Reserved