Breast calcifications are calcium deposits within breast tissue. They appear as white spots or flecks on a mammogram and are usually so small that you can't feel them.
Breast calcifications are common on mammograms and they're especially prevalent after menopause. Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcifications — such as tight clusters with irregular shapes — may indicate breast cancer.
On a mammogram, breast calcifications can appear as macrocalcifications or microcalcifications.
If calcifications are suspicious, more testing may be necessary, including additional mammograms with magnification views or a breast biopsy.
Breast calcifications
- Previous injury or surgery to the breast (fat necrosis)
- Skin (dermal) or blood vessel (vascular) calcification
- Breast cysts
- Fibroadenoma
- Cell secretions or debris
- Mammary duct ectasia
- Mastitis
- Previous radiation therapy for cancer
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Source: mayoclinic.org