Breast calcifications are a common finding among postmenopausal women. They represent calcium deposits in cells of the breast. Seen from an X-ray image (mammogram), they resemble white flecks that may either be scattered throughout the tissues or organized in clusters. The good news is that these changes are rarely pathological except in rare circumstances where they may point towards a cancerous process.
Radiologists, the specialists who read and interpret mammograms and other radiographic images, divide the deposits into two major groups based on the appearance: microcalcifications and macrocalcifications. Macrocalcifications are large and coarse deposits frequently located in milk ducts or existing as cysts. They resemble dots. They are the more common type in aging women. According to statistics, 50% of women aged above 50 years and 10% of those younger than this have them.
The other group, microcalcifications, comprise finer densities. Their presence at a site is an indication of increased mitotic activity. The cells in this area are rapidly dividing as they attempt to replace those that have been destroyed due to one reason or another. According to research, neither the coarse nor the fine densities indicate the presence of cancer but particular patterns may suggest a precancerous state.
A number of risk factors predisposing to this condition have been identified. A major one is advancing age. Studies have shown that there is a higher incidence in older women compared to their younger counterparts. The reason behind this skewed distribution is not yet known. Other risk factors include trauma, cysts, cell debris secretions, fibroadenoma, mammary duct ectasia and mastitis among others. Contrary to common belief, high levels of dietary calcium do not predispose to getting the condition.
The diagnosis of calcifications remains a major challenge for health professionals. This is mainly due to the asymptomatic nature of the condition. The deposits are too small to be felt and localized. Most cases are actually diagnosed incidentally during routine mammograms. Their morphological appearance on the mammogram is the main factor used by clinicians to make decisions as regards the subsequent course of action.
If most of the densities seen are macrocalcifications there is no need to seek treatment or follow up as these are almost always non-pathological. Microcalcifications, in contrast, usually require further investigations that will help the radiologist to study them better. They will be able to classify the lesions as benign, precancerous, suspicious or cancerous. Some of the investigations likely to be requested for include a second mammogram (at a different magnification), ultrasound imaging and biopsies. The exact investigation will depend on the individual situation.
A biopsy is the gold standard as far as cancer diagnosis is concerned. This test is recommended in cases where the lesion is suspicious. A biopsy involves removal of a small specimen from the diseased site and examining it under the microscope. This will help classify the lesion as either benign or cancerous. Cases that have been confirmed through the biopsy are subjected to treatment which usually includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Breast calcifications have generated a lot of interest as far as research is concerned. Many of the researchers seek to establish whether these densities are related to cancer which is not clear at the moment. There is strong evidence suggesting that the deposits are a normal process associated with aging and degeneration. Women should therefore not be disturbed if they are found to have them. Even when found to be cancerous they are most likely to be benign. An important precaution for women with suspicious lesions is to have bi-annual mammograms to monitor the progress. Later, they can have the same once a year.
Radiologists, the specialists who read and interpret mammograms and other radiographic images, divide the deposits into two major groups based on the appearance: microcalcifications and macrocalcifications. Macrocalcifications are large and coarse deposits frequently located in milk ducts or existing as cysts. They resemble dots. They are the more common type in aging women. According to statistics, 50% of women aged above 50 years and 10% of those younger than this have them.
The other group, microcalcifications, comprise finer densities. Their presence at a site is an indication of increased mitotic activity. The cells in this area are rapidly dividing as they attempt to replace those that have been destroyed due to one reason or another. According to research, neither the coarse nor the fine densities indicate the presence of cancer but particular patterns may suggest a precancerous state.
A number of risk factors predisposing to this condition have been identified. A major one is advancing age. Studies have shown that there is a higher incidence in older women compared to their younger counterparts. The reason behind this skewed distribution is not yet known. Other risk factors include trauma, cysts, cell debris secretions, fibroadenoma, mammary duct ectasia and mastitis among others. Contrary to common belief, high levels of dietary calcium do not predispose to getting the condition.
The diagnosis of calcifications remains a major challenge for health professionals. This is mainly due to the asymptomatic nature of the condition. The deposits are too small to be felt and localized. Most cases are actually diagnosed incidentally during routine mammograms. Their morphological appearance on the mammogram is the main factor used by clinicians to make decisions as regards the subsequent course of action.
If most of the densities seen are macrocalcifications there is no need to seek treatment or follow up as these are almost always non-pathological. Microcalcifications, in contrast, usually require further investigations that will help the radiologist to study them better. They will be able to classify the lesions as benign, precancerous, suspicious or cancerous. Some of the investigations likely to be requested for include a second mammogram (at a different magnification), ultrasound imaging and biopsies. The exact investigation will depend on the individual situation.
A biopsy is the gold standard as far as cancer diagnosis is concerned. This test is recommended in cases where the lesion is suspicious. A biopsy involves removal of a small specimen from the diseased site and examining it under the microscope. This will help classify the lesion as either benign or cancerous. Cases that have been confirmed through the biopsy are subjected to treatment which usually includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Breast calcifications have generated a lot of interest as far as research is concerned. Many of the researchers seek to establish whether these densities are related to cancer which is not clear at the moment. There is strong evidence suggesting that the deposits are a normal process associated with aging and degeneration. Women should therefore not be disturbed if they are found to have them. Even when found to be cancerous they are most likely to be benign. An important precaution for women with suspicious lesions is to have bi-annual mammograms to monitor the progress. Later, they can have the same once a year.
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