Breast calcifications are calcium deposits within breast tissue. They appear as white spots or flecks on a mammogram and are usually so small that you cant feel them. Breast calcifications are common on mammograms and theyre especially prevalent after menopause. Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcifications — such as tight clusters with irregular shapes — may indicate breast cancer. On a mammogram, breast calcifications can appear as macrocalcifications or microcalcifications. Macrocalcifications. These show up as large white dots or dashes. Theyre almost always noncancerous and require no further testing or follow-up. Microcalcifications. These show up as fine, white specks, similar to grains of salt. Theyre usually noncancerous, but certain patterns can be a sign of cancer. If calcifications are suspicious, more testing may be necessary, including additional mammograms with magnification views or a breast biopsy. While some calcifications may indicate breast cancer, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), most are noncancerous (benign) conditions. Benign causes of breast calcifications include: Previous injury or surgery to the breast (fat necrosis) Skin (dermal) or blood vessel (vascular) calcification Breast cysts Fibroadenoma Cell secretions or debris Mammary duct ectasia Mastitis Previous radiation therapy for cancer Work with you doctor to find your accurate diagnosis.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:00:00 +0000
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