Breast calcifications: Are they breast cancer?

Breast calcifications are tiny calcium deposits within the breast tissue that appear as white spots on a mammogram. Breast calcifications are common. Many women have at least one calcification that can be seen on a mammogram. Although breast calcifications are usually noncancerous (benign), certain patterns of calcifications — such as tight clusters with irregular shapes — may indicate breast cancer.

The two main types of breast calcifications are:

• Macrocalcifications. They appear as large white dots or dashes on a mammogram. Macrocalcifications are almost always noncancerous and require no further follow-up.
• Microcalcifications. They appear as very fine white specks on a mammogram. Microcalcifications are usually noncancerous but can sometimes be a sign of cancer. The radiologist will look at the size, shape and pattern of the microcalcifications. If they appear suspicious, additional mammograms and a biopsy may be needed.

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 (post-traumatic fat necrosis calcification)
• Inflammation due to infection (mastitis)
• Skin (dermal) calcifications such as caused by dermatitis or residue from metallic particles in powders, ointments and deodorants
• Radiation therapy for breast cancer
• Calcification of the arteries (vascular calcifications)
• Calcifications in a fibroadenoma, a noncancerous growth