Mammograms and Breast Calcifications

By Dr. Kathleen Ruddy

Breast calcifications are actually a common find on mammograms for most women that are over the age of 40. In fact, in approximately 67 percent of women that have mammograms, calcifications are seen. These might be small, or large, and in some cases, they can indicate breast cancer. However, the calcifications themselves are not breast cancer.

The Good News

Breast calcifications are not often cancer. They are calcium deposits found in various areas throughout the breast. They can be seen anywhere, and can be any size. They typically appear as white spots on a mammogram. This can be helpful because it allows doctors to determine if there is a risk of breast cancer based on the size and shape of the calcification.Microcalcifications are different from regular calcifications and don’t require any further testing. The reason for this is that they will look like little grains of salt, and doctors can tell they are not cancerous based on their appearance.There are many causes for breast calcifications. Some causes raise a woman’s risk factors for breast cancer. This includes injury to the breast, radiation therapy for a variety of cancers, and blood vessel calcification throughout the body. Fibroadenomas, and mastitis are other causes, but these causes are not linked to breast cancer, and do not appear to raise a woman’s risk for breast cancer.

The Bad News

Breast calcifications can indicate breast cancer if they take on a weird shape, or irregularities. Most often, doctors will order a biopsy, and quite possibly a breast ultrasound, and/or an MRI. These can be painful procedures for some women. Speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have when it comes to these procedures.There is nothing to do to prevent breast calcifications. They come with age. Dietary changes and even exercising is not going to make them go away, or prevent them from appearing. Breast calcifications can be painful if they cover a large area. At times, a woman can even feel her breast calcification, if it is large enough. Anytime you find a breast tumor, mass, or growth, see a doctor.

EDITOR’S TIP:

If you are over 40 years old, you should be getting a mammogram done every year. If you do not have a regular doctor, some clinics will do free breast exams once a year.

Calcifications are not likely to be something that a woman realizes she has. However, they should be taken seriously if a woman has other risk factors for breast cancer. The calcification can be a precursor to cancer. If you see a doctor, and they are suspicious, they will likely order further testing based on any other risk factors you may have. Calcifications alone are nothing to worry about. Seeing your doctor is the best way to determine this.

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