Explanation of Breast Calcifications
Breast calcifications are caused by a build-up of a small deposit of hard calcium within the soft breast tissue. Most breast calcifications are relatively harmless, but they can be indicative of more serious problems, including breast cancer.
Types
There are two types of breast calcifications: microcalcifications and macrocalcifications. Macrocalcifications are fairly common and they occur in approximately 50 percent of women over the age of 50. Though larger than the other type, macrocalcifications are not usually related to cancer. Microcalcifications are not usually cancerous either, but certain patterns of microcalcification can indicate cancerous growth. Cells dividing rapidly cause microcalcifications. This excess cell growth may be an early warning sign of breast cancer.
Causes
Macrocalcifications, usually the result of aging, are common in women over 50. Normal wear in breast tissue, including minor injury and inflammation, can cause a build-up of calcium. Microcalcifications occur when the cells in breast tissue start dividing rapidly and excessively. Small residual calcium deposits can form in areas of cell growth. Certain patterns of microcalcifications, such as when the microcalcifications are clumped together as opposed to scattered around, may be a sign of breast cancer. If breast calcifications are present, they will be detected during a regular mammogram exam. Any abnormal calcifications will be noted and referred to a doctor by the radiologist who reads the mammogram results. The doctor will then decide whether further testing, such as a diagnostic mammogram or biopsy, is necessary.
Detection
Some breast calcifications can be felt as lumps during self-administered breast exams. It is important for women to get into the habit of performing these exams regularly so any lumps will be detected early. Calcifications also turn up on mammogram scans. If a woman has breast calcifications, they will appear on the mammogram as white spots or dots in the breast tissue. It is especially important for women over 50 years old to have regular mammograms performed, since the likelihood of breast calcifications increases with age.
Treatment
Most breast calcifications are benign and do not require treatment. Some breast calcifications may be more potentially harmful, and a doctor will request additional testing in these situations. If a doctor determines that a calcification needs more testing, the most common course of action is a biopsy to determine if the growth is cancerous. If the biopsy comes back positive, this calcification will require breast cancer treatment, which can include surgery or chemotherapy. Only a doctor can determine the appropriate course of action in the case of breast cancer.
Misconceptions
Contrary to popular assumption, breast calcifications have nothing to do with diet. Many people believe that too much calcium in a diet causes a build-up of calcium in the breast, but there is no proven link between diet and breast calcifications. Also, another common misconception is that a biopsy on breast calcifications can only be performed surgically. This is not true, as there are other effective methods of biopsy, such as a core needle biopsy.
Tags: breast calcifications, breast cancer, breast tissue, women over, breast calcifications, build-up calcium
