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Calcifications on mammograms

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Calcifications are very commonly seen on a mammogram. These are small white spots on the mammogram. They do not relate to the amount of calcium you eat or take in medication.

Most calcifications are not a sign of cancer.

Large rounded calcifications (macrocalcifications) can be caused by:

  • Hardening of the arteries in the breast
  • Noncancerous breast lump called a fibroadenoma
  • Previous infection or inflammation

These calcifications do not need to be biopsied or watched with mammograms.

Microcalcifications are tiny calcium spots. These can also be noncancerous.

When several calcifications with irregular sizes and shapes are tightly clustered together, cancer is a possibility.

  • If the calcifications are not too suspicious, they can be watched with a follow-up mammogram.
  • If they appear suspicious, your health care provider will recommend a stereotaxic core biopsy. This is a needle biopsy that uses a type of mammogram machine to help find the suspicious calcifications.

See also: Breast biopsy - stereotactic

References

James JJ, Robin A, Wilson M, Evans AJ. The breast. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 52.

Muss HB. Breast cancer and differential diagnosis of benign lesions. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 208.

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14y ago

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Related Questions

If a small calcium area that showed up in mammogram it that serious?

Not necessarily, Most women have calcifications (calcium) in their breast tissue. It is important that when you have a mammogram you also have any prior images with you so the radiologist (X ray Doctor) can compare them to see if the calcifications were present on your prior exam or if they are new. Some calcifications require further imaging if they look questionable.


What does indeterminate calcifications with clustered distribution mean on mammogram results?

Indeterminate calcifications with a clustered distribution on mammogram results indicate areas where calcium deposits are present but cannot be definitively classified as benign or malignant. These calcifications are often grouped together and may require further investigation, such as additional imaging or a biopsy, to determine their significance. The term "indeterminate" suggests that the findings are unclear, necessitating closer evaluation to rule out any potential abnormalities.


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Does calcium in your breast mean breast cancer?

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What is calcification of the Breast?

Breast calcifications are small areas of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt, and are only detected on a breast mammogram. They are very common and in most cases harmless. There are two types: Macro-calcifications, which are harmless and need no treatment or monitoring, and Micro-calcifications, which are usually found in an area in which cells are dividing quickly. They are usually harmless, but if found in a cluster in one area, can be a sign of pre-cancerous changes in the breast and further medical tests will be necessary. For more information, visit the link in "Edit Links" on the left.


What is Stable mammogram?

A stable mammogram refers to a breast imaging result that shows no significant changes in breast tissue compared to previous mammograms. This stability suggests that there are no new abnormalities or growths, such as tumors or calcifications, which could indicate potential concerns. Stability in mammogram results is generally reassuring, indicating that any previously detected findings remain consistent over time. Regular monitoring is still recommended to ensure continued breast health.


What is a mammogram is a radiograph of the?

A mammogram is a specialized type of X-ray used to examine breast tissue for abnormalities, such as tumors or calcifications. It can help in the early detection of breast cancer and is typically recommended for women over a certain age or those with risk factors. The procedure involves compressing the breast to obtain clear images, which are then analyzed by radiologists. Regular mammograms can significantly improve outcomes by identifying issues before they become symptomatic.


What is the ICD-9 for a mammogram?

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What does mammogram NEC mean?

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Visual record of the internal structure of the breast is a?

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What's better for a breast checkup an ultra sound or a mammogram?

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How do you get a tangential view in a mammogram?

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