Are microcalcifications cancerous?
Microcalcifications are tiny calcium specks seen on a mammogram. Most of the time, they are not cancer. However, these areas may need to be checked more closely if they have a certain appearance on the mammogram.
What kind of breast cancer causes microcalcifications?
Sometimes calcifications indicate breast cancer, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), but most calcifications result from noncancerous (benign) conditions.
Should microcalcifications be biopsied?
Given your situation, though, your doctor should investigate any calcifications thoroughly. You may be more likely to have the area biopsied than a woman who is considered to be at average risk of breast cancer. Also, your doctor may recommend screening with breast MRI in addition to mammography.
What is DCIS 3?
DCIS that is high grade, is nuclear grade 3, or has a high mitotic rate is more likely to come back (recur) after it is removed with surgery. DCIS that is low grade, is nuclear grade 1, or has a low mitotic rate is less likely to come back after surgery.
What does a microcalcification on a mammogram mean?
Microcalcifications are tiny bits of calcium deposits that may be an early sign of breast cancer, although they aren’t always. The pattern and shape of microcalcifications are often different depending on whether the finding is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
What does a grouping of microcalcifications mean?
A grouping of microcalcifications suggests that cancer may be present in the organ. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster’s page for free fun content .
Are there microcalcifications in the soft tissue of the breast?
Breast microcalcifications are small calcium deposits in the soft tissue of the breast. Indeed, breast microcalcifications are extremely common in women and are almost always a benign (non-cancerous) breast condition, so try not to worry too much.
Can a microcalcification be felt from the outside?
Because of their diminutive size, they never cause visible lumps. They never ache or cause pain of any kind, and they cannot be felt from the outside during a very thorough and careful self-exam or even during a physical examination performed by an experienced physician.