Introduction:
Calcium deposits in breast tissue are referred to as breast calcifications. They are often benign and quite prevalent (noncancerous). However, certain types of breast calcifications may occasionally signal early breast cancer. Macrocalcifications and microcalcifications are the two different types of breast calcifications. Breast calcifications are too small to be felt during a typical breast exam. Hence they do not produce symptoms. Breast calcifications are typically initially identified on mammography. Normal aging, inflammation, and prior trauma to the area are a few causes of calcification in a woman's breast. Breast calcifications are not brought on by dietary calcium intake.
What Signs of Breast Calcification Are There?
Most breast calcifications are too tiny to feel during a breast exam and frequently do not manifest any symptoms. So, it is more probable that they are found during routine mammography.
What Is the Etiology of Breast Calcifications?
Breast calcifications are incredibly typical in women over 50. The majority of people develop benign breast calcifications. Although some calcifications, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), indicate breast cancer, most calcifications are caused by benign (noncancerous) diseases. The following are potential causes of breast calcifications:
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Breast tumors.
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Cellular waste.
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Mammary cancer.
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Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
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Mast cell ectasia.
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Calcification of the skin (dermal) or blood vessels (vascular).
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Prior cancer radiation therapy.
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Previous breast surgery or damage (fat necrosis).
How Are Breast Calcifications Diagnosed?
Mammography -
On mammography, they show up as white specks or patches. In addition, mammograms frequently reveal breast calcifications, which are more common after age 50. Although most breast calcifications are benign (noncancerous), some calcification patterns, such as tight clusters with irregular forms and delicate appearance, may be signs of breast cancer or other precancerous alterations in the breast tissue. Breast calcifications can show up as macrocalcifications or microcalcifications on a mammogram.
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Macrocalcifications - These appear as broad, white dashes or dots. They represent the most prevalent form of calcification in breast tissue. Most of the time, macrocalcifications are benign and do not require further imaging.
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Microcalcifications - These appear as tiny, white specks that resemble salt granules. Although typically benign, some patterns can be a precursor to cancer. For example, the spots could be evenly spaced in groups or as specks in a line. Although microcalcifications are mostly benign, microcalcifications are more likely to indicate malignancy. The healthcare provider can request additional testing to look for precancerous cells or cancer if they notice this on the mammogram.
Breast Biopsy -
It is done to determine for sure if the results of the second mammogram are still concerning for cancer. It is also advised to return for a regular yearly screening if the calcifications seem noncancerous or in six months for a short-term follow-up to ensure the calcifications are not changing. Finally, breast calcification tissue is removed using a stereotactic core needle and surgical biopsy to be studied further.
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Core Needle Biopsy: Using a thin, hollow needle and being guided by a computer imaging system, a radiologist will remove a small portion of tissue containing the suspicious calcifications while performing local anesthesia.
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Surgical Biopsy: Surgery may be required to obtain a sample of the calcified breast tissue if a core needle biopsy can remove the tissue successfully or if the results are uncertain. The biopsy will be carried out by a surgeon in an operating room while under local or general anesthesia. A radiologist may utilize X-rays to locate the calcified breast tissue before the surgery and then mark the tissue that needs to be removed with a fine wire or dye. A surgeon will then slice the tissue sample to be sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
What Precautions Must Be Taken Before Mammography?
Deodorants, lotions, and powders that contain radiopaque elements or metals may mimic calcifications on mammography, making it more challenging to determine whether benign or malignant alterations cause the calcifications. As a result, no skincare products of any type should be worn throughout mammography. In addition, calcifications on a mammogram can sometimes be linked to benign tumors or cysts. Thus deodorants, lotions, and powders should not be used on the skin next to the breasts.
What Is the Treatment for Breast Calcifications?
Benign Calcifications -
These calcifications are deemed safe, and additional testing or care is unnecessary. The likelihood of malignancy in calcifications is less than 2 %. They will typically be observed once every six months for at least a year. It is advised to get routine mammography once a year after a year of follow-up.
Suspicious or Malignant Calcifications -
It is advised to have a biopsy since suspicious calcifications could be benign or an early symptom of malignancy. A small sample of the calcified breast tissue is taken during a biopsy and submitted to a lab to be checked for cancer cells. Surgery to remove the malignant breast, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy to eradicate any leftover cancer cells may be used as treatment if cancer is found.
Are Breast Calcifications Surgically Removable?
Breast calcification cannot typically be removed by surgery. When cells divide and develop, calcium deposits are produced. They are safe by themselves. One should be concerned only when the calcifications result from malignant or precancerous cells developing and dividing abnormally. Then, removing the cancer cells, not the calcifications, would still be necessary.
Can Calcifications in the Breast Progress to Cancer?
Microcalcifications in the breasts can occasionally, but not usually, be an indication of malignancy. However, calcifications typically indicate a benign disorder. However, once a mammogram finds calcifications, they are entered into the medical history. Future X-rays will be examined by a radiologist who will look for any variations that might be precancerous so that additional testing and treatment can be told as necessary. Breast cancer can be prevented with early detection.
Conclusion:
Calcium deposits form in the breast tissue and are known as breast calcifications. They frequently appear on standard mammography and are shared. Breast calcifications, though typically benign (noncancerous), can indicate a higher risk of breast cancer. Regular mammograms can find precancerous changes, allowing for early treatment. Although calcifications are mostly benign, they can be a precursor to the emergence of aberrant cells in the breast tissue. Depending on the calcifications' size, shape, and distribution, it may be possible to determine if they are a sign of a benign (noncancerous) condition or whether additional testing is necessary to rule out malignancy (cancer).
