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What are Breast Calcifications?
Calcification is
a common process where small spots of calcium spots deposit
themselves in breast tissue. These deposits can be the result of
aging or other breast conditions such as fibroadenomas or cysts.
Inflammation or foreign bodies such as implants or stitches can
also lead to calcification. Calcium phosphate crystals tend to
aggregate into clumps.
These small
calcium deposits in the breast tissue that can be seen only on a
mammogram. These calcium deposits are tiny and therefore cannot
be felt by you or your doctor during a breast exam. Breast
calcifications are common. Many women have at least one
calcification that can be seen on a mammogram. Most breast
calcifications aren’t associated with cancer. But certain
patterns of calcifications, such as tight clusters with
irregular shapes, can be associated with cancer.
What causes Breast Calcifications?
Calcium deposits
can occur in the breast as a result of swelling, injury, aging
blood vessels, a duct plugged with milk years before or cancer.
Taking calcium pills does not cause them.
There are two types of calcifications
| 1. |
Microcalcifications (smaller calcium deposits). These
calcium deposits appear as very fine white specks on a
mammogram. A radiologist carefully studies the shape and size of
the calcium deposits to determine if they require further study.
Most often, microcalcifications have nothing to do with cancer.
A cluster is an area where there is a proliferation of many
microcalcifications. Such clusters may be cancerous and are of
most concern. |
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| 2. |
Macrocalcifications: These are coarse calcium deposits and
are usually representative of degeneration of the breasts,
either due to inflammation, injuries or aging of the breast
arteries. Such calcifications are generally benign and are
usually found in women over the age of 50. On a mammogram, these
calcium deposits appear as single white dots that are larger
than microcalicifications. They are usually benign (not cancer).
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Noncancerous
(benign) causes of breast calcifications include:
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Calcium within
the fluid of noncancerous cyst (milke of calcium)
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Calcification
associated with a dilated milk duct
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Previous injury
to the breast (post-traumatic fat necrosis calcification)
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Inflammation due
to infection (mastitis)
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Skin (dermal)
calcifications cause dermatitis or residue from metallic
partiles in powders, ointments and deodorants
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Radiation therapy
for breast cancer
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Calcification of
the arteries (vascular calcifications)
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Calcifications in
a fibroadenoma, a noncancerous growth
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Use of Mammograms
Calcium deposits
are tiny and cannot be felt by you or your doctor. A mammogram
is used to detect calcifications. A mammogram can pick up
microscopic deposits of calcium within breast tissue or even
tiny blood vessels. The radiologist examines the shape, size and
pattern of the calcifications to make a diagnosis.
Suspicious
mammograms may be followed by core needle biopsy, as it is
minimally traumatic and relatively less expensive than surgical
biopsy. Sometimes, a biopsy is required to confirm the
diagnosis. Since a mammogram reveals just an area of abnormal
tissue, a stereotactic biopsy is used to locate the area to be
biopsied. X rays are used to guide the radiologist. With a
surgical biopsy the surgeon uses a scalpel to remove a chunk of
tissue. Core biopsy involves insertion of a large needle through
the skin. This is usually aided by computers. But some types of
conditions necessitate surgical biopsy, such as when the lesion
is next to the chest wall.
Follow-up
Once
calcifications have been confirmed as harmless, your specialist
may follow up with a repeat mammogram after 12 months.
A Quote From John R. Lee,
M.D.
“Over the years I
have seen my share of microcalcifications in breasts and, by
using progesterone, in none of the patients did the condition
progress to real cancer.
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