Calcifications and Breast Cancer

Hi Readers ,

The very first question that comes to our mind here is Breast calcifications are they breast cancer? Then

What causes breast calcifications? Are they associated with breast cancer?

Lets first understand what is Breast calcifications?

The white spots on a mammogram are tiny calcium depoists within breast tissues which are said to be Breast calcifications.

Calcifications are caused by changes in the breast tissue itself, and are most likely not cancer.But tight clusters of calcifications with irregular shapes could indicate the presence of cancer or a pre-cancerous condition.

The types of breast calcifications are:

• Macrocalcifications. They appear as large white dots on a mammogram. They are noncancerous .
• Microcalcifications. They appear as very fine white specks on a mammogram. Microcalcifications are usually noncancerous but can sometimes be a sign of cancer.

Noncancerous causes of breast calcifications include:

• Calcium within the fluid of a noncancerous cyst (milk of calcium)
• Calcifications associated with a dilated milk duct
• Previous injury to the breast
• Inflammation due to infection
• Skin calcifications such as caused by residue from metallic particles in powders, ointments and deodorants
• Radiation therapy for breast cancer
• Calcification of the arteries