What are microcalcifications?
Microcalcifications are tiny calcium deposits in the breast, the detritus of dead cells. They may indicate cancer, even when no lump is felt. Four out of five cases of microcalcification are found to be benign; these are usually large, few in number, scattered and round in shape. Microcalcifications associated with malignancy are usually more numerous, clustered, and shaped differently (rods, branches, teardrops). There are also calcifications that fit somewhere between these two, often labelled “indeterminate.” If calcifications are considered benign, the woman will be asked to have a mammogram on a regular basis (usually annually or biannually). If the microcalcifications are considered suspicious, a fine needle biopsy or a wide needle (stereotactic) biopsy is recommended. The tissue will be examined for cancer cells and recommendations for treatment will be based on these findings.
