Breast Calcifications: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr R Suresh Kumar , Radiologist

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Breast calcifications are tiny calcium spots that can appear in the breast tissue, mostly seen during regular mammograms. In many cases, they are harmless, but sometimes, they may indicate early changes in the breast that require further evaluation.

Getting them evaluated early helps in timely treatment and keeping your breast health in check.

What Are the Different Types of Breast Calcifications?

Breast calcifications are mainly divided into two types depending on how they look in a mammogram. Knowing the kind helps doctors decide if any further tests are needed.

Macrocalcifications

• Bigger calcium deposits
• More common in women over 50
• Usually harmless and don't require treatment

Microcalcifications

• Very tiny white specks, often seen in groups
• Sometimes linked with early signs of breast disease
• It needs to be reviewed carefully by a radiologist to rule out anything serious

Identifying the type of calcification helps the doctor determine if further tests, such as another scan or a biopsy, are necessary.

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What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Calcifications?

Breast calcifications are small calcium deposits that show up in the breast tissue, usually seen during a routine mammogram. Most of the time, they are harmless, but occasionally, they may indicate an underlying issue. Knowing the reasons and who is at higher risk can help in receiving the proper treatment on time.

Causes

• Natural aging of breast tissue
• Old injuries or surgeries to the breast
• Infections or inflammation, like mastitis
• Non-cancerous conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas
• Radiation therapy was done earlier on the chest

Risk Factors

• Women who are above 50 years of age
• Family or personal history of breast cancer
• Hormonal changes or taking hormone therapy
• Smoking, which can affect breast health
• Dense breast tissue is seen in some women

If your mammogram shows clusters of microcalcifications, it's better to visit a specialist for further tests. Early checking makes all the difference.

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What are the Breast calcification symptoms and Warning Signs?

Breast calcifications usually don't cause any apparent symptoms and are mostly found during routine mammograms. Still, sometimes, they can be linked to changes in the breast that need a closer look.

Common Signs

• Usually, no symptoms or discomfort
• Appear as white spots on a mammogram
• Sometimes seen along with a breast lump or pain

Serious or Worrisome Signs

• A new lump or thickened area in the breast
• Discharge from the nipple, especially if it's bloody
• Any change in the shape or texture of the breast

If you notice anything unusual in your breast or your mammogram report shows abnormal spots, it's best to visit a breast specialist for proper advice.

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How Breast Calcifications are Diagnosed?

At Medicover, we utilize advanced facilities and experienced radiologists to detect and interpret breast calcifications accurately. Most women become aware of them during regular health check-ups or breast screenings.

Tests Commonly Done Include

• Mammogram: This is usually the first test where the calcifications are seen
• Diagnostic mammogram: A more detailed scan to closely look at any suspicious areas
• Breast ultrasound: Breast ultrasound is done if there's a lump or changes felt during a physical exam
• Biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample is taken to rule out any cancerous change

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What Are the Treatment Options for Breast Calcifications?

Most breast calcifications are non-cancerous and don't need any special treatment. However, if the pattern or shape looks suspicious during a mammogram, your doctor may suggest further steps to rule out any serious problem.

Treatment Methods May Include

• Observation: In most cases, regular mammograms are recommended to monitor calcifications.
• Biopsy: If the calcifications appear abnormal, a breast biopsy may be done to check for any cancer cells.
• Surgical removal: In rare cases, especially when the biopsy results are unclear or show pre-cancerous changes, a minor surgery may be needed.

Recovery time after a biopsy or minor surgery is usually short. Most women get back to their routine within a few days.

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When to See a Doctor?

If your mammogram report mentions breast calcifications, don't panic. But you should visit a doctor, especially if:

• Are the calcifications new, or have they changed since your last mammogram
• You notice a lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes in the breast
• You have a family history of breast cancer
• You are above 40 and haven't had regular breast screening

Our doctors at Medicover believe in clear communication and quick action. We explain the findings properly and guide you step by step if any follow-up tests are needed.

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What Is the Recovery Process After Breast Calcifications Treatment?

In most women, breast calcifications do not require any major treatment. But if a biopsy or small surgery is done to check for any serious cause, recovery is generally smooth and quick.

Post-Treatment Care May Include

• Follow-up appointments: The doctor may suggest regular mammograms every 6 to 12 months to keep a check on any changes.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eating home-cooked nutritious meals, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking or alcohol helps in keeping your breasts healthy.
• Mild discomfort: If a biopsy was done, there might be slight pain or swelling for a day or two, which usually settles on its own.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Breast Calcifications?

Breast calcifications can't always be prevented as they often occur naturally with age. But you can take some simple steps to catch any changes early and reduce the chances of complications.

Prevention Tips

• Get regular breast check-ups or mammograms, especially if you are above 40 years.
• Eat healthy, stay active, and avoid junk food, tobacco, or alcohol.
• Be alert about changes like lumps or discharge and visit the doctor without delay.

Possible Complications if Left Unchecked

• Rarely, certain types of calcifications may be linked to early breast cancer.
• Ignoring signs or skipping tests can lead to delayed diagnosis and unnecessary stress.

That's why timely check-ups and proper guidance are important.

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Our Experience Treating Breast Calcifications

At Medicover Hospitals, we understand how stressful it can feel to hear about breast calcifications. Our experienced team of radiologists and women's health experts carefully studies your mammogram reports and suggests only the tests that are truly needed.

With advanced imaging and caring doctors, we make sure you feel supported and confident throughout the process.

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