Mammography Best Way To Detect Breast Calcifications

Calcifications are small calcium deposits in the breast that can be detected only by mammography. They are divided into categories -- macrocalcifications and microcalcifications.

Macroclcifications are coarse calcium deposits that frequently represent degenerative changes in the breast, such as aging of the breast arteries, old injuries, or inflammations. These deposits are usually associated with benign (noncancerous) conditions and may not require a biopsy (surgery that removes the tissue for examination under a microscope).

Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium in the breast. These are usually found in an area of rapidly dividing cells. When many microcalcifications are seen in one area, they are referred to as a cluster and may indicate a small cancer. About half of the cancers detected by mammography appear as a cluster of microcalcifications.

An area of microcalcifications found on a mammogram don't always mean that cancer is present. In some cases, a biopsy is not required. Instead, a doctor may advise a followup mammogram within 3-6 months.

Sometimes a mammogram shows an area of abnormal tissue that is too small to be felt. When this happens, a procedure called "localization" is used to help the surgeon locate the suspicious area to be removed during the biopsy. Using x-rays for guidance, a radiologist inserts a needle or fine wire into the area of microcalcifications. Once the needle or fine wire is in place, tissue is removed for diagnosis.

Breast cancer may be present even in the absence of a lump. A biopsy can be done to find bread cancer in its earliest stage, before it has begun to spread and when it is most curable. In general, breast cancers discovered as a result of mammography tend to be small, and they are ideal for treatment with lumpectomy and radiation, treatment that preserves the breast.

Women who have small breast cancers that have not spread to the underarm lymph nodes or elsewhere have a 5-year survival rate of more than 90 percent.