Question

What to do if new calcs with suspicious morphology arise in an area of prior lumpectomy

Answer 1

If new suspicious calcifications appear in the area of a previous lumpectomy, they should not be ignored. A multidisciplinary approach, including additional imaging and a possible biopsy, is necessary to evaluate and determine the appropriate course of action.

Step-by-step explanation:

When new calcifications with suspicious morphology arise in an area of prior lumpectomy, it is important not to ignore these findings as they may indicate the presence of recurrent breast cancer or changes that warrant further investigation. A multidisciplinary approach should be taken, involving the patient's radiologist, oncologist, and surgeon. The standard procedure would typically involve:

1. Reviewing the patient's prior imaging for comparison.
2. Performing additional diagnostic imaging, such as mammography or breast MRI, to better characterize the new calcifications.
3. Recommending a biopsy if the imaging findings are suggestive of malignancy to determine the nature of the calcifications.
4. Discussing the findings and treatment options with the patient.

Prompt evaluation and appropriate follow-up are essential to determine the need for potential treatment and to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.