What are breast calcifications?

Breast calcifications are calcium deposits located within the breast tissue. They cannot be felt through a breast exam. Instead, they are revealed through a mammogram. The two types of breast calcifications are macrocalcifications and microcalcifications. Macrocalcifications are usually noncancerous, while microcalcifications can sometimes be malignant.

Macrocalcifications appear as large white spots on a mammogram. They are usually the result of inflammation, old injuries, and aging breast arteries. Microcalcifications appear as small white spots on a mammogram.

They are often found in the midst of rapidly dividing cells. When the spots are clumped together, they are sometimes the warning sign that cancer is present. In this case, the doctor usually orders a biopsy of the breast.

When breast calcifications are found on a mammogram, the doctor magnifies the x-rays to determine the size, number, and shape of the calcium deposits. These characteristics determine whether the deposits are benign or possibly cancerous. If a breast biopsy is scheduled because the deposits are possibly cancerous, the doctor may choose to perform the biopsy in one of two ways.

The first type of biopsy is called a surgical biopsy. Using local or general anesthesia, the surgeon uses a needle and injects a blue dye at the site of the calcium deposits. Breast tissue is removed from the area so it can be examined in a medical laboratory.

The second type of biopsy is called a stereotactic core needle biopsy. When this is done, the patient is given a local anesthetic so that she remains awake during the procedure. The surgeon then uses a hollow needle to remove small layers of breast tissue. The tissue is then sent to a medical laboratory for analysis.

Not all breast calcifications are caused by cancer. Women with breast calcifications may have suffered breast injuries in the past. Some may have breast cysts or calcification of the blood vessels or skin. Other women may have calcification deposits because they have blocked breast ducts or have had radiation therapy in the past.

Doctors take breast calcifications found on a mammogram seriously. The presence of these calcium deposits can be an early warning sign of breast cancer. Women who have calcium deposits in both breasts have a higher chance of developing breast cancer.

People with deposits in only one breast have a lower risk of developing this serious condition. If a biopsy reveals that the deposits are benign, a doctor will recommend that patients return for a follow-up mammogram in six months. This will allow the doctor to closely monitor the appearance of the deposits. Changes in size, appearance, and number may reveal that breast cancer is starting to develop.

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