What are Calcifications?
Calcifications (also called microcalcifications) are mineral deposits in the breast that may be caused by dried-up secretions, trauma to the breast, resorbed blood, or dead tissue cells. These small calcium deposits are often found in clusters by a mammogram. Dietary calcium levels do not have any relationship to breast calcifications. If a woman has calcifications in the breast she may continue calcium supplements which can be helpful in preventing bone loss, osteoporosis and fracture. Calcifications are not equivalent to cancer. But they are signs of changes within the breast, and certain patterns of calcifications can be associated with cancer or benign breast disease.
Calcifications are small calcium deposits in the breast, detected from a mammography. Microcalcifications are tiny specks of calcium that can be found in an area of rapidly dividing cells. When many of these are seen in one area, they are called a cluster and may indicate a small cancer. About half of the cancers detected by mammography appears as a cluster of microcalcifications, the other half appears as lumps. Macrocalcifications are coarse calcium deposits that are found in about half of all women over age 50 and are associated with benign conditions. They are often seen in both breast and are most likely due to aging or old injuries.
