Mammogram - calcifications

Answer 1

Alternative Names

Calcifications on mammograms

Information

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.

Answer 2

Definition

Calcifications are tiny deposits of calcium in your breast tissue. They are very commonly seen on a mammogram. (The calcium you eat or take in medication does not cause calcifications in the breast.)

Alternative Names

Calcifications on mammograms

Information

Most calcifications are not a sign of cancer. Other causes of calcifications on a mammogram include:

• Calcium deposits in the arteries inside your breasts
• History of breast infection
• Noncancerous (benign) breast lumps or cysts
• Past injury to the breast tissue
• Powders, deodorants, or ointments that are placed on the skin

Large rounded calcifications (macrocalcifications) are common in women over age 50. They appear as small white dots on the mammogram. They are not thought to be related to cancer, and only rarely need more testing.

Microcalcifications are tiny calcium specks seen on a mammogram. Most of the time, they are not a sign of cancer, but they can be cancerous.

WHEN IS FURTHER TESTING NEEDED?

When microcalcifications are seen on a mammogram, the doctor (a radiologist) may ask for a magnified view so the calcifications can be seen more closely.

Calcifications that are not worrisome are called “benign” and no specific followup is needed.

If the calcifications are slightly abnormal but not really suspicious, they are called “probably benign.” Usually, a 6 month followup mammogram is recommended.

Calcifications that are irregular in size or shape, or are tightly clustered together are called "suspicious calcifications." Your health care provider will recommend a stereotactic core biopsy. This is a needle biopsy that uses a type of mammogram machine to help find the suspicious calcifications.

Most patients who have suspicious calcifications do not have cancer.

See also: Breast biopsy - stereotactic

References

Bartella L, Smith CS, Dershaw DD, Liberman L. Imaging breast cancer. Radiol Clin North Am. 2007 Jan;45(1):45-67.

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.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 10/16/2011

Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery practice specializing in breast cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.