Do Breast Calcifications Hurt? Causes & Next Steps

Breast calcifications are small calcium deposits often seen on mammograms. While their detection can cause apprehension, understanding their nature is important. These deposits typically do not cause pain and are frequently discovered incidentally during routine screening.

Understanding Breast Calcifications

Breast calcifications are tiny calcium deposits that appear as white spots or flecks on a mammogram. These deposits are typically too small to be felt during a self-examination or clinical breast exam.

There are two primary categories: macrocalcifications and microcalcifications. Macrocalcifications are larger deposits, appearing as white dots or dashes. These are frequently benign and generally do not require additional testing or follow-up.

Microcalcifications are very small, fine white specks, similar to grains of salt. While often benign, certain patterns, such as tight clusters with irregular shapes, may warrant further investigation as they can sometimes be an early indicator of changes in breast tissue. Breast pain is typically associated with other factors, like hormonal changes, cysts, or injury, rather than the calcifications themselves.

Reasons for Calcification Formation

Breast calcifications can form for various reasons, many of which are non-cancerous and related to normal physiological processes or benign conditions. One common cause is the natural aging of breast tissue, particularly in women over 50. Past injuries or infections can also lead to calcifications as part of the healing process; for instance, breast fat can die after trauma, resulting in calcification.

Benign breast conditions often contribute to calcification formation. These include fibroadenomas, non-cancerous growths that can calcify over time, sometimes appearing as “popcorn-like” calcifications. Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, can also calcify. Additionally, conditions like mammary duct ectasia (inflammation of the milk ducts) or sclerosing adenosis (extra tissue growth in milk glands and ducts) can result in calcifications. While most calcifications are benign, certain patterns of microcalcifications can be associated with early breast cancer, as active cell growth and division produce more calcium.

Next Steps After Detection

Upon detection of breast calcifications on a mammogram, further evaluation is often necessary to determine their nature. The radiologist will carefully assess the size, shape, and distribution of the calcifications to decide if additional imaging is needed. Often, the initial step involves obtaining additional mammogram views, such as magnification or spot compression views, which provide a more detailed look. These specialized views help differentiate benign patterns from those that might require closer examination.

If the calcifications exhibit suspicious features, a breast biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to determine if abnormal cells are present. One common type is a stereotactic biopsy, which uses mammography guidance to precisely locate and sample the calcified area. The decision to proceed with a biopsy is based on the characteristics of the calcifications and whether they show a suspicious pattern or change over time. Consulting with a healthcare professional is important for understanding the specific findings and determining the appropriate course of action.