What are calcifications?
Calcifications are small deposits of calcium which are only detectable in the breast by x-ray (mammogram). Calcifications can show on the mammogram as either as coarse white dots or tiny white specks.

What do they mean?
Calcifications with a coarse appearance are quite commonly found and are most likely to represent degenerative changes in the blood vessels of the breast or scarring in the breast tissue.

Calcifications which appear as very fine white specks are known as micro-calcifications and indicate increased cellular activity in the breast tissue. When there are multiple microcalcifications grouping together in one part of the breast, the radiologist will want to look very carefully at the pattern of the micro-calcifications and sometimes may request further mammograms to help to clarify whether it is of significance.

What will need to be done?
Many women will have some scattered deposits of calcium in the breasts which is not abnormal; so nothing further will need to be done.

When there are new areas of microcalcification clustering together in one part of the breast, a biopsy from the area will usually be suggested.

In other instances the radiologist may advise repeating the mammograms in four or six months time to observe for any change.

If you require further advice or information please contact the
Macmillan Breast Care Nurses, Hazel Ricard and Hilary Rickwood on 020 8565 5885