Mammogram - calcifications
Key points
- According to the American Cancer Society, calcifications or microcalcifications seen on a mammogram are small mineral deposits that show up as white spots on the mammogram film.
- Calcifications can be benign, but may be a sign of breast cancer.
- Sometimes the changes are monitored by additional tests including repeat mammograms.
- Other times, a breast biopsy will be recommended, especially if the calcifications are tightly clustered, or show characteristics that are worrisome to the radiologist.
Alternative names
Calcifications on mammograms
Information
According to the American Cancer Society, calcifications or microcalcifications seen on a mammogram are small mineral deposits that show up as white spots on the mammogram film. Calcifications can be benign, but may be a sign of breast cancer.
Sometimes the changes are monitored by additional tests including repeat mammograms. Other times, a breast biopsy will be recommended, especially if the calcifications are tightly clustered, or show characteristics that are worrisome to the radiologist.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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