Breast Calcification

Calcification is a common process where small spots of calcium spots deposit themselves in breast tissue. These deposits can be the result of aging or other breast conditions such as fibroadenomas or cysts. Inflammation or foreign bodies such as implants or stitches can also lead to calcification.

Calcium phosphate crystals tend to aggregate into clumps, more so in collaboration with collagens. Collagens are insoluble proteins found in tissues. Calcification can occur in tissues and muscles of the hips, shoulders, elbows, hands and chest also.

Many a woman is bewildered and confused by the plethora of information that is available on this form of cancer. Our section on breast cancer seeks to create awareness of this form of the Big C that can be easily detected in the early stages. Our articles throw light on the symptoms as well as the different types of treatment that can be carried out. We carry a simple and informative article on Self breast examination that help a woman detect abnormal lumps.

Types of Breast Calcification

Macrocalcifications: These are coarse calcium deposits and are usually representative of degeneration of the breasts, either due to inflammation, injuries or aging of the breast arteries. Such calcifications are generally benign and are usually found in women over the age of 50.

Breast Microcalcifications

This type of calcification is found as tiny specks of calcium in the breast. A cluster is an area where there is a proliferation of many microcalcifications. Such clusters may be cancerous. Breast microcalcifications are not felt on self breast examination. When a mammogram shows a spot of calcium buildup, it is called a microcalcification.

By itself, microcalcification is not a cause for worry as it can occur due to many reasons, not always cancerous. It is when these microcalcifications in the breast appear in tight clusters of irregular shapes that they become cause for concern.

When these breast microcalcifications appear in a scattered manner, they are usually indicative of benign breast tissue. Biopsy of some tissue is done for diagnosis. Microcalcifications in the breast are common during menopause. Injury or breast surgery can also lead to microcalcification.

Breast calcification and mammogram

Such calcium deposits are so tiny and cannot be felt by you or your doctor. A mammogram is used to detect calcifications. The radiologist examines the shape, size and pattern of the calcifications to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, a biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. Since a mammogram reveals just an area of abnormal tissue, a stereotactic biopsy is used to locate the area to be biopsied. X rays are used to guide the radiologist.

Benign breast calcifications are dermal calcifications, milk of calcium calcifications, suture calcifications and lucent-centred calcifications. The Breast Image Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) of the American College of Radiology (ACR) has categorized the types of calcifications. Calcifications can be grouped according to their distribution - segmental, regional, diffused, linear or clustered.

The best diagnostic tool to detect breast calcification is a high quality mammography done by a radiologist who is skilled in the proper positioning and compression of the breast. Such mammograms are best viewed on high-luminance viewers where extraneous glare and light is eliminated.

When instances of calcification are detected, mammograms are routinely taken to determine the stability of the calcifications. Suspicious mammograms must be followed by core needle biopsy, as it is minimally traumatic and relatively less expensive than surgical biopsy.

A mammogram can pick up microscopic deposits of calcium within breast tissue or even tiny blood vessels. In about 15% of the cases, these clusters are malignant. As compared with a surgical biopsy where the surgeon uses a scalpel to remove a chunk of tissue, core biopsy involves insertion of a large needle through the skin. This is usually aided by computers. But some types of conditions necessitate surgical biopsy, such as when the lesion is next to the chest wall.

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