Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

What Does Calcification Mean???

My mother had her annual mammogram and they called her to tell her she had calcification in her left breast, but nobody told her what that meant.  They said she had calcification and nodules.  Could they have been caused by a severe impact?? (She was recently in an auto accident where her chest felt much of the impact.  Thanks for your time.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Dear liannef:  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 abnormal growth that would require further investigation. The radiologist would usually compare the current film to previous films, look for symmetry, and look at the pattern of these calcifications as well as the character of any "nodules". Based on these findings, recommendations are made as to the next steps - either continue annual mammogram, repeat the mammogram in six months or biopsy now.
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
My mammogram came back as normal, yet the findings indicate a small amount of residual fibroglandular tissue present.  No dominant masses, suspicious microcalcifications, or secondary signs of malignancy are identified.  BIRADS 1: negative.  I am not sure what all of this means, but it seems strange that I have something suspicious yet it is negative or normal.  I have a strong family history of breast cancer, so this doesn't settle well with me.  Can someone explain this to me?
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Breast Cancer Forum

Popular Resources
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
From mammograms to personal hygiene, learn the truth about these deadly breast cancer rumors.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.