Breast Calcifications

WHAT ARE BREAST CALCIFICATIONS?

Calcifications are small calcium deposits in the breast tissue that can be seen only on a mammogram.  These calcium deposits are tiny and cannot be felt by you or your doctor during a breast exam.

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 calcification:

Microcalcifications - 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.  However, in about 30% of cases they can be related to an early breast cancer.

Coarse calcifications - On mammogram, these calcium deposits appear as single white dots that are larger in appearance than microcalcifications.  They are usually benign (not cancer).

WHAT IF CALCIFICATIONS ARE SEEN ON A MAMMOGRAM?

Follow-up depends on the appearance of the calcium deposits.  If microcalcifications are seen your doctor may advise:

• Magnification views, or a "close-up" mammogram of the area of concern.  
• Follow-up mammogram in 3 to 6 months.   Core biopsy of the calcifications with mammogram guidance.
• Surgical biopsy done with needle localization.
• Coarse calcifications are followed by mammogram.  The radiologist will compare any recent mammogram films to previous films to make sure that no changes in the calcifications have occurred.  Biopsy of these coarse calcium deposits is not required.