Dystrophic Calcification Within the Breast

Introduction

The calcium deposits in the breast tissue are called breast calcification. It is usually seen on a mammogram. Breast calcification is a benign condition (non-cancerous), but it can be an alarm sign for the indication that the person is at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Mammograms help to detect these precancerous alterations so that prior treatment can be provided to prevent the occurrence of cancer. Read the article to know more.

What Is Meant by Breast Calcification?

Breast calcification is a condition where calcium deposits develop in the breast tissue. These must be seen in the mammograms to be aware of them as they are tiny and painless. Mammograms detect any atypical growth seen in the breast tissue using a low X-ray dose. Calcification is usually harmless but appears to indicate abnormal cell growth in the breast tissue. The size, shape, and distribution of the calcium deposits help to rule out whether the condition is benign or more testing is required to rule out malignancy.

What Are the Types of Calcification?

There are two types of breast calcifications, these are

• Macrocalcification: These appear as large white spots scattered throughout the breast tissue. These are the most common benign types and do not require any follow-ups.

• Microcalcification: These calcifications appear as tiny white spots. These spots can be scattered all over, or they may be present in groups. These calcifications are also benign, but they indicate more cancer than macrocalcification. When this calcification appears on the mammogram, the doctor may recommend another test to rule out precancerous cells or cancer.

What Are the Causes of Breast Calcification?

The common causes of benign breast classification are

• Breast injury.

• Breast cyst.

• Infections in the breast tissues.

• Aging arteries of the breast.

• Fibroadenomas, which are benign breast lumps.

• Mammary duct ectasia is a benign condition which affects the milk ducts.

• History of breast surgery.

• History of breast cancer treatment.

What Is Meant by Dystrophic Calcification of the Breast?

Breast calcification is usually seen with the help of a mammogram, and dystrophic calcification is a form of calcification. Dystrophic calcification is considered to be a non-cancerous condition. The common way to find dystrophic calcification is following radiation treatment for breast cancer.

What Are the Characteristics of Dystrophic Calcification of the Breast?

• Dystrophic calcification is generally large, about 0.5 millimeters.

• They are usually irregular in shape.

• They tend to be dense and have a shiny surface in the middle when seen under the microscope.

• Unlike the microcalcifications, these calcifications have smooth margins, which may indicate malignancy.

What Does a Finding of Dystrophic Calcification Suggest?

When dystrophic calcification is seen on a mammogram during screening, it usually indicates some benign conditions other than cancer. For those women who have already been treated for breast cancer, dystrophic calcification should be considered seriously.

Does Dystrophic Calcification Stay for Many Years?

The very large size of dystrophic calcification will remain stable for many years without any relation to a palpable mass. Up to 30 percent of the women population can develop dystrophic calcification for at least up to four years. If the dystrophic calcification occurs after breast reduction surgery or radiation therapy, then this condition will be a bit concerning.

How Is Breast Calcification Diagnosed?

There are two methods for the diagnosis of breast calcification; these are

• Diagnostic Mammogram: It is a detailed mammogram that differs from the one usually performed for screening. Pictures from various angles will be taken to give the radiologist a clear picture of the affected breast area. Magnifying these images can help the radiologist read about the calcification's shape and arrangement.

• Biopsy: A biopsy is usually done to rule out the underlying cause of the calcification. It is a minimally invasive procedure where a small portion of the breast is removed and examined by the pathologist to see for the presence of any disease. The biopsy performed is called a stereotactic breast biopsy, which is done with the help of the images obtained through a mammogram. A needle biopsy can also be performed where tiny portions of the affected region of the breast are excised and examined.

How Is Dystrophic Calcification of the Breast Managed?

Usually, this condition is caused by a non-cancerous condition that does not require treatment. The radiologist can take X-rays and compare them with the previous ones to see any changes in the calcification.

If some of the follow-up tests result in abnormal or have signs of cancer, then consultation with a doctor who specializes in cancer is a must. Usually, treatment options include

• Examining and monitoring the affected tissue for any concerning alterations.

• Excising the affected breast tissue of the complete breast.

• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

• Targeted drug therapy.

Is It Necessary to Remove Dystrophic Breast Calcification?

It is unnecessary to excise dystrophic breast calcification as the calcium starts to deposit from the time the cell divides and grows. These calcifications are harmless. If the calcification occurs with abnormal growth and division of the cells, then it is of concern. If this happens, it may indicate cancer, where the cancer cells are eliminated and not the calcification.

What Should Be Done if the Classification of the Breast Are Seen in the Future?

The person should continue getting mammograms; any concerns must be discussed with the health care provider. If the person is at an average risk of breast cancer, then a routine checkup for breast cancer needs to be done every one or two years after the age of 40.

If in case the calcification is potentially cancer-treated, then they need additional imaging procedures like more frequent mammograms.

Conclusion

Breast calcifications are the calcium deposits that develop in the breast tissue. Dystrophic calcifications are usually non-cancerous calcifications. These are not worrisome. These can be seen during a mammogram and a screening test. It tends to be cancerous, where additional treatment may be needed.