Microcalcifications
Breast Health Issues
Breast Cysts | Dense Breast |
Breast Pain | Microcalcifications |
Fibroadenoma
| Home
| Microcalcifications are some of the
diagnostic markers our radiologists, who are breast imaging specialists,
look for while evaluating your mammogram. Most often,
microcalcifications represent a benign process. Only a small
percentage are indicative of cancer. In order to evaluate them, we
often request additional magnification films (X-rays).
Microcalcifications are seen in the soft tissues of the body, including the breasts, in which there are many benign structures that can calcify. One of the most common reasons for breast microcalcification development is normal breast metabolism. This development is not related to dietary intake. Unfortunately, some cancers also produce microcalcifications, which can be one of the first signs that a small breast cancer may be present. By looking at the size, shape and distribution of the microcalcifications, the radiologist can detect whether these microcalcifications may indicate a possible malignancy. Sometimes it can be difficult to
differentiate benign from suspicious microcalcifications on the
mammogram. After careful review of the films, the radiologist will
make one of several recommendations. If the microcalcifications
are felt to be benign, short-term follow-up examinations will be
recommended. When the microcalcifications are indeterminate, other
recommendations are made. If the radiologist feels that tissue is
needed for a diagnosis, an appointment will be scheduled for a surgical
consult. |
|
The NMMC Breast Care Center would like to provide
you with more information |