Breast calcifications

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

While some calcifications may indicate breast cancer, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), most are noncancerous (benign) conditions. Benign causes of breast calcifications include:

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

When to see a doctor Definition
References
  1. What mammograms show: Calcifications, cysts, fibroadenomas. Breastcancer.org. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/mammograms/mamm_show.jsp. Accessed Jan. 29, 2013.
  2. Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp. Accessed Jan. 29, 2013.
  3. Esserman LJ, et al. Diagnostic evaluation of women with suspected breast cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 29, 2013.
  4. Lai KC, et al. Linear breast calcifications. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2012;199:W151.
  5. Muttarak M, et al. Breast calcifications: Which are malignant? Singapore Medical Journal. 2009;50:907.
  6. Demetri-Lewis A, et al. Breast calcifications: The focal group. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2012;198:W325.
  7. Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2013.
  8. Neal L (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2013.
  9. Whaley DH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 4, 2013.
MY00101 Feb. 21, 2013

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