Breast calcifications: Are they breast cancer?

What causes breast calcifications? Are they associated with breast cancer?

- Margaret / Ohio

Mayo Clinic breast-health specialist Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

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Breast calcifications

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