The Follow-up Options For Breast Calcifications
Breast calcifications refer to deposits of calcium within tissues as seen from a radiological image such as an X-ray (mammogram). They are a frequent finding in women approaching menopause. Seen from the mammogram, they look like small white flecks scattered throughout the tissue or clustered together. Fortunately, a majority of them are not pathological.
Mammograms are read and interpreted by specialists known as radiologists. The deposits fall under two broad categories depending on their appearance. These are the macrocalcifications and microcalcifications. The former group consists of deposits that are coarse and large. They are mostly located within milk ducts but may also occur within cysts. This is the group more likely to be found in the older women. Statistically, half of women older than 50 years are likely to have them. The probability the same will be found in younger women is only 10%.
Microcalcifications are finer and appear as white specks on images. When visualized at a particular site in the breast tissue, they are an indication of high mitotic activity. This means that there is a high rate of cell division as cells are synthesized to replace those that have been damaged. Neither macrocalcifications nor microcalcifications have any direct relationship to cancer.
Several risk factors are now known to predispose to the condition. Perhaps the most important of these is advancing age. The exact reason as to why more cases are found in the older age group is yet to be established. Besides age, the other risk factors are trauma, fibroadenoma, cysts, cell debris secretions, mammary duct ectasia and inflammatory conditions in the breast tissue among others. Claims that high calcium in the diet may cause deposition have no scientific backing.
The diagnosis of this condition is still a big challenge. The main reason for this is because the condition is largely asymptomatic. The deposits are extremely small and cannot be located during routine breast examinations. It is only during routine mammograms that they are picked incidentally. Upon examining the mammogram, the attending radiologist may or may not request for further investigations depending on the initial findings.
Macrocalcifications do not require any form of treatment or follow up as they are not associated with disease. For the microcalcifications the prognosis depends on the specific characteristics. This calls for more investigations. Deposits that are clustered together or irregularly shaped are likely to be pre-cancerous or cancerous. Additional investigations may include a second mammogram at a different magnification, ultrasound scanning and biopsy.
A biopsy is indicated when the initial picture is highly suggestive of cancer. This investigation involves removal of a surgical specimen from the diseased tissue and to subject it to microscopy. When this is done, it is possible to classify the lesions as being benign or cancerous. Available modes of treatment for cancerous cases include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Breast calcifications are still the subject of research as more information is sought regarding their relationship to cancer. The good news is that so far, they are regarded as normal degeneration changes. Women who happen to have them are advised to seek professional guidance on how to deal with their specific condition. Those with suspicious lesions need to be examined every six months to check for progression.
Mammograms are read and interpreted by specialists known as radiologists. The deposits fall under two broad categories depending on their appearance. These are the macrocalcifications and microcalcifications. The former group consists of deposits that are coarse and large. They are mostly located within milk ducts but may also occur within cysts. This is the group more likely to be found in the older women. Statistically, half of women older than 50 years are likely to have them. The probability the same will be found in younger women is only 10%.
Microcalcifications are finer and appear as white specks on images. When visualized at a particular site in the breast tissue, they are an indication of high mitotic activity. This means that there is a high rate of cell division as cells are synthesized to replace those that have been damaged. Neither macrocalcifications nor microcalcifications have any direct relationship to cancer.
Several risk factors are now known to predispose to the condition. Perhaps the most important of these is advancing age. The exact reason as to why more cases are found in the older age group is yet to be established. Besides age, the other risk factors are trauma, fibroadenoma, cysts, cell debris secretions, mammary duct ectasia and inflammatory conditions in the breast tissue among others. Claims that high calcium in the diet may cause deposition have no scientific backing.
The diagnosis of this condition is still a big challenge. The main reason for this is because the condition is largely asymptomatic. The deposits are extremely small and cannot be located during routine breast examinations. It is only during routine mammograms that they are picked incidentally. Upon examining the mammogram, the attending radiologist may or may not request for further investigations depending on the initial findings.
Macrocalcifications do not require any form of treatment or follow up as they are not associated with disease. For the microcalcifications the prognosis depends on the specific characteristics. This calls for more investigations. Deposits that are clustered together or irregularly shaped are likely to be pre-cancerous or cancerous. Additional investigations may include a second mammogram at a different magnification, ultrasound scanning and biopsy.
A biopsy is indicated when the initial picture is highly suggestive of cancer. This investigation involves removal of a surgical specimen from the diseased tissue and to subject it to microscopy. When this is done, it is possible to classify the lesions as being benign or cancerous. Available modes of treatment for cancerous cases include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Breast calcifications are still the subject of research as more information is sought regarding their relationship to cancer. The good news is that so far, they are regarded as normal degeneration changes. Women who happen to have them are advised to seek professional guidance on how to deal with their specific condition. Those with suspicious lesions need to be examined every six months to check for progression.
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For women who suffer from breast calcifications, finding additional information is helpful to relieve worry. You can see details about calcifications in the breast by visiting our web pages right here.
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