Breast calcifications are microscopic calcium deposits in the tissues of the breast. Most breast calcifications represent normal changes in the breast as a woman gets older. Others might indicate the present of cancer. Calcifications are so small that they cannot be seen without high-resolution mammogram pictures. These tiny calcium deposits show white on a mammogram, and appear as tiny specks or grains. Calcifications become a concern when clusters are found or when the calcifications have irregular shapes. Mammograms are the best way to detect and monitor calcifications for any changes, and it's best to schedule mammograms regularly to sequentially monitor any breast changes.
Breast Injury
Any injury to the breast can create the presence of calcifications. Injury-induced calcifications look irregular in shape and might be curved. Previous radiation therapy injures the breast tissue and can result in calcifications showing in subsequent mammograms. It's important to check every instance of calcification carefully to evaluate where and why the calcium deposit is present.
Infection
Infections don't happen very often, but they can occur when breastfeeding. Mastitis is one type of breast infection that occurs in the breast tissue that often doesn't have a defined area causing pain. This inflammation is treated with antibiotics until the infection resolves. Breast infections can leave long-lasting calcium deposits that could show up on future mammograms.
Calcification of Noncancerous Lumps
Calcifications can form near masses that aren't cancerous. Cysts form as a small pocket of fluid in the milk duct that grows over time. These types of calcifications usually do not indicate breast cancer, although they should be thoroughly checked by a doctor.
Age
As women age, calcifications form naturally within the tissue of the breasts. This common occurrence shouldn't alarm a woman. The presence of calcifications should be monitored with yearly mammograms after age 40 based on recommendations from skilled radiologists and your physician. The cells within the breast also secrete calcium that can cause deposits to appear on mammograms.
Breast Cancer
Calcifications become an issue for a woman when clustering is found. Rapidly dividing cancer cells can migrate to this area. Consider the breast tissue a garden and the calcifications the soil mounding around the cancer cells. The presence of calcifications creates a suspicious condition that needs to be closely monitored with mammograms and, in some cases, a special kind of procedure called a needle biopsy. Despite the presence of calcifications, most are evaluated and found to be benign, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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