Breast calcifications, revealed through mammograms, are calcium deposits in breast tissue. Macrocalcifications are usually non-cancerous, while microcalcifications can be malignant. Biopsies may be necessary to determine if cancer is present. Not all calcifications are cancer-related, but they are taken seriously as an early warning sign. Follow-up mammograms are recommended to monitor any changes.
Breast calcifications are calcium deposits located within the breast tissue. They cannot be sensed through a breast exam. Instead, they are revealed through a mammogram. The two types of breast calcifications are macrocalcifications and microcalcifications. Macrocalcifications are generally non-cancerous while microcalcifications can sometimes be malignant.
Macrocalcifications show up as large white spots on a mammogram. They are usually the result of inflammation, old lesions, and aging sinus arteries. Microcalcifications show up as tiny white dots on a mammogram.
They are often found in the midst of rapidly dividing cells. When the specks are clustered together, they are sometimes the warning sign that cancer is present. In this case, the doctor usually orders a breast biopsy.
When breast calcifications are found on a mammogram, doctors magnify the X-rays to determine the size, amount, 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 potentially cancerous, your doctor may choose to do 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 the blue dye into the site where the calcium deposits are. Breast tissue is removed from the area so it can be examined in a medical laboratory.
The second type of biopsy is called a stereotaxic needle biopsy. When this is done, the patient is given local anesthesia so that she remains awake during the procedure. Next, the surgeon uses a hollow needle to remove small layers of breast tissue. The tissue is then sent to the 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 blood vessels or skin. Other women may have calcification deposits because they have blocked breast ducts or have received radiation therapy in the past.
Breast calcifications found on a mammogram are taken seriously by doctors. The presence of these calcium deposits can be an early warning sign of breast cancer. Women who have calcium deposits in both breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Those with deposits in only one breast have a lower risk of developing this serious disease. If a biopsy reveals the deposits to be benign, a doctor will recommend patients return for a follow-up mammogram within six months. This will allow your doctor to closely monitor the appearance of the deposits. Changes in size, appearance and quantity can reveal that breast cancer is starting to develop.
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