Breast Calcifications: What You Need to Know
Breast health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and routine screenings like mammograms play a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of breast conditions. One common finding on mammograms is breast calcifications. While most calcifications are benign, understanding what they mean and when they require further evaluation is essential.
At Breast Center of New England, we are dedicated to providing accurate, patient-centered care for all aspects of breast health. In this article, we explore what breast calcifications are, their causes, and when further testing may be necessary.
What Are Breast Calcifications?
Breast calcifications are small deposits of calcium that appear as white spots or flecks on a mammogram. These deposits are not related to dietary calcium intake, and they do not cause symptoms, pain, or lumps.
Calcifications in the breast can be categorized into two main types:
Macrocalcifications:
Larger, coarse calcium deposits
Generally benign (non-cancerous)
Often related to aging, past injuries, or inflammation
Microcalcifications:
Tiny specks of calcium
Can appear alone or in clusters
May require further evaluation, as certain patterns can indicate breast cancer
While most calcifications are harmless, some patterns or clusters of microcalcifications can be a warning sign of precancerous changes or breast cancer.
What Causes Breast Calcifications?
Several benign conditions can lead to the development of breast calcifications, including:
Aging: Most commonly seen in postmenopausal women.
Fibrocystic Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can cause cysts or fibrous tissue changes that lead to calcifications.
Past Breast Injury or Surgery: Scar tissue from past trauma or surgeries can result in calcifications.
Radiation Therapy: Women who have undergone radiation treatment may develop calcifications.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive form of breast cancer that can present with microcalcifications on a mammogram.
Breast Cysts or Infections: Some infections and cystic changes in the breast can lead to calcifications.
Are Breast Calcifications a Sign of Cancer?
Most breast calcifications are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, when microcalcifications form specific patterns, such as tight clusters or irregular shapes, they may indicate a need for further evaluation to rule out precancerous changes or breast cancer.
A radiologist will assess the size, shape, and distribution of the calcifications on your mammogram and classify them as:
Benign: No further testing needed.
Probably Benign: Follow-up mammogram in 6 months to monitor any changes.
Suspicious: Additional imaging or a biopsy may be needed to determine if cancer cells are present.
How Are Breast Calcifications Diagnosed?
If breast calcifications are detected on a mammogram, the next steps may include:
Additional Mammographic Views: A diagnostic mammogram provides a closer, more detailed look at the calcifications.
Breast Ultrasound: Used to determine if there are any accompanying masses.
Breast Biopsy: If the calcifications appear suspicious, a stereotactic (mammogram-guided) biopsy may be performed to collect a tissue sample for further analysis.
Treatment and Follow-Up for Breast Calcifications
If the calcifications are benign, no treatment is needed. You will either be asked to have your next mammogram in six months or one year.
If a biopsy shows the calcifications are associated with breast cancer, DCIS or a precancerous condition, you will be referred to a surgeon.
Early detection is key in ensuring the best possible outcomes. That’s why regular breast screenings and follow-ups with specialists at Breast Center of New England are essential for maintaining optimal breast health.
Comprehensive Q&A: Breast Calcifications
Q: Do breast calcifications mean I have cancer?
A: No, most breast calcifications are benign and do not indicate cancer. However, certain patterns of microcalcifications may require further evaluation to rule out precancerous changes or early-stage breast cancer.
Q: How are breast calcifications detected?
A: They are detected on a mammogram, where they appear as small white spots.
Q: Can breast calcifications go away on their own?
A: Usually not, unless they are inside cysts. However, benign calcifications remain stable over time and usually do not require treatment.
Q: Do breast calcifications cause pain or lumps?
A: No, calcifications are not associated with pain, tenderness, or lumps. They are only visible on imaging tests like mammograms.
Q: What causes breast calcifications?
A: Several benign factors can cause them, including aging, fibrocystic changes, past injuries, infections, or radiation therapy.
Q: If my calcifications are “probably benign,” what does that mean?
A: A “probably benign” result means there is a less than 2% chance of cancer. Your doctor may recommend a follow-up mammogram in six months to monitor any changes.
Q: What happens if my breast calcifications are suspicious?
A: If the calcifications appear in a cluster, form in a line, or have irregular shapes, additional imaging and a biopsy will be performed to determine if they are cancerous.
Q: How often should I have a mammogram?
A: The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommends that women at average risk begin annual mammograms at age 40. Women at higher risk (family history, genetic factors) may need to start screening earlier.
Q: Can I prevent breast calcifications?
A: There is no known way to prevent calcifications, but maintaining breast health through regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and routine check-ups can help in early detection and monitoring.
Contact Breast Center of New England
At Breast Center of New England, we prioritize your breast health with expert diagnostic care, compassionate support, and cutting-edge technology. If you need to schedule a mammogram, contact us today.
📍 Address: 40 Concord Rd, Suite 1, Lee, NH 03861
📞 Phone: (603) 516-7090
🌐 Website: breastne.com
We are here to provide you with the highest level of personalized care for your breast health needs. Schedule your appointment today!