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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Calcifications
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Calcifications
by Robyn66, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
I just had a magnified mammogram today, due to a calcification seen on my mammogram yesterday. At 47, I have had yearly mammograms since age 35, with no problems. I have been reading your posts, and am confused as to what is considered a cluster of calcifications. I viewed my mammogram, and saw one small spot with about 4 little dots in it. Is that considered a cluster, and does that automatically represent a cancerous condition? I am confused, because it sounds to me as though, if there is more than one of these dots, that would mean cancer, but if there is only one dot, it probably would not. Would you please explain this to me? Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Aug 01, 2002 12:00AM
Dear Robyn66, Microcalcifications are small deposits of calcium that can be visualized on an x-ray and a large percentage of microcalcifications have nothing to do with cancer and probably the result of normal wear and tear on the breast. When they are seen on the mammogram the radiologist is looking for a pattern. Microcalcifications that are scattered throughout the breast are more likely to represent a benign deposit. Calcifications that are close together may be clustered around a pre-cancer or cancer. The radiologist would usually compare the current film to previous films, look for symmetry, and look at the pattern of these calcifications. Based on these findings recommendations are made, either continue as usual, repeat in six months or biopsy now.
