Breast Microcalcifications

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Breast Microcalcifications

Question:

I have been diagnosed with microcalcifications in my breast. They are small. I saw a surgeon, who did not seem worried. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Answer:

Microcalcifications are often seen on a mammogram examination of the breast.

Mammography is generally performed as part of a screening procedure for the early detection of breast cancer or as part of a diagnostic evaluation, when either the patient or her doctor has felt an abnormality in the breast that needs additional evaluation.

Microcalcifications represent the remnants of dead or dying cells that line the ducts of the breast tissue. They show up as white dots on the mammogram images.

Often, their presence is completely noncancerous (benign). However, depending upon the distribution, size and number of the calcification, as well as the other characteristics of the breast tissue, microcalcifications may be one of the early signs of an underlying breast cancer.

While your surgeon may have provided assurance about this finding, it is imperative that a qualified radiologist who is expert in reading mammograms provide an official interpretation. The radiologist who views the mammogram will issue an interpretation that will range from completely benign to very suspicious of cancer.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009