What happens if calcifications are cancerous

Once the radiologist confirms the location as being outside of the breast tissue itself, then these types of calcifications require no further testing. Any of the above factors can cause breast calcifications to develop. Other factors that increase risk include:. Deodorant, lotions, or powders can show up as calcifications on a mammogram. For this reason, people should avoid applying any skin products before the screening.

If calcifications appear on a mammogram, the radiologist will decide if further investigation is necessary. Generally, they do not consider macrocalcifications to be suspicious. However, if large calcifications occur in clusters or alongside microcalcifications, the radiologist may advise further testing.

People who have a history of breast cancer or are at a high risk of cancer development should see their doctor if calcifications appear on a mammogram. A doctor will take these risk factors into account when deciding on further testing. The two types of biopsies to test breast calcifications are stereotactic core needle biopsy and surgical biopsy.

During a stereotactic core needle biopsy, the doctor will apply a local anesthetic to the breast. They will then make a small cut in the skin and insert a needle. Using computer images, they will guide the needle to the area of tissue containing the calcifications. During a surgical biopsy, a surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to the skin. Sometimes, the person may need general anesthesia.

The surgeon will remove the abnormal tissue sample and send it to a lab for examination under a microscope. Doctors typically only perform a surgical biopsy if a core needle biopsy is unsuccessful or if the results are inconclusive. Individuals should discuss any concerns about scarring, anesthesia, or recovery with their surgeon before undergoing a surgical biopsy. Benign calcifications do not require any treatment.

However, if the calcifications have links to another medical condition — such as mammary duct ectasia — then a doctor will provide the person with more information on the condition and the available treatments.

If the calcifications indicate breast cancer, then the person will require treatment to stop the spread of the cancer and kill the cancerous cells. The type of treatment a person will need depends on the type of breast cancer, its size and stage, and other factors. Breast calcifications can indicate early breast cancer, which highlights the importance of having regular screening mammograms.

However, most calcifications are benign and do not need any follow-up investigations or treatment. If a radiologist considers the calcifications to be suspicious, they will perform another mammogram and may recommend a biopsy.

Read the article in Spanish. Breast calcifications are small spots deposits of calcium in the breast. They do not cause any symptoms and you cannot feel them. They are usually found during a routine breast x-ray mammogram. Macrocalcifications are sometimes called benign coarse calcifications. They can develop naturally as breast tissue gets older and are harmless. They are not linked with cancer and do not need treatment or monitoring.

Macrocalcifications can develop in women of any age. But they are more common in women who have been through their menopause. These are tiny calcium deposits that show up as small white specks on a mammogram. They are usually found in an area of the breast where cells are being replaced more quickly than normal.

Microcalcifications are not usually linked with cancer. But a group of them in one area of the breast a cluster may be a sign of:. If your mammogram shows there are calcifications, a doctor who specialises in reading x-rays and scans radiologist will look at the size, shape and pattern of the calcifications. They will decide if you need any further tests. If they find microcalcifications, they will usually ask you to have a magnification mammogram of the affected area.

If the results of this show the changes are clearly not cancer, you will not need any more tests. If the results are not clear, your doctor will suggest you have a small piece of tissue taken from your breast, called a biopsy. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Ikeda DM, et al. Mammographic analysis of breast calcifications. In: Breast Imaging: The Requisites. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Dec. What does the doctor look for on a mammogram? American Cancer Society.

Esserman LJ, et al. Diagnostic evaluation of women with suspected breast cancer. Mammograms: What to know before you go. Pruthi S expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Joe BN, et al. Breast biopsy. Products and Services Give today to find cancer cures for tomorrow.