Calcification of the breast occurs when small calcium particles deposit spontaneously in the breast tissue due to aging or breast cancer. According to the characteristics, calcifications can be classified into:
- Benign calcification, which is characterized by large calcifications, which must be monitored by means of mammography every year; Probably benign calcification, in which the macrocalcifications have an amorphous aspect, and should be monitored every 6 months; Calcification suspected of malignancy, in which grouped microcalcifications can be observed, and biopsy is indicated to verify possible neoplastic characteristics; Calcification highly suspected of malignancy, which is characterized by the presence of microcalcifications of varying sizes and high density, with biopsy and, in most cases, surgical removal being recommended.
Microcalcifications are not palpable and may be related to breast cancer, and identification through mammography is important. Macrocalcifications, on the other hand, are typically benign and irregular in shape, and can be identified by ultrasound or mammography.
Breast calcifications usually do not cause symptoms and can be identified in routine exams. From the assessment of the characteristics of the calcifications, the doctor can establish the best form of treatment, with surgical removal, use of medications (antiestrogenic hormone therapy) or radiotherapy being normally indicated in the calcifications suspected of malignancy. See which tests detect breast cancer.
Possible causes
One of the main causes of calcification in the breast is aging, in which the breast cells undergo a gradual degenerative process. In addition to aging, other possible causes of the appearance of calcifications in the breast are:
- Breast milk remnants; Breast infection; Breast wounds; Stitches or silicone implantation in the breasts; Fibroadenoma.
Although it is most often a benign process, the deposit of calcium in breast tissue can be a sign of breast cancer, and should be investigated and treated by the doctor if necessary. See what are the main symptoms of breast cancer.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of breast calcifications is usually made through routine examinations, such as mammography and breast ultrasound. From the analysis of the breast tissue, the doctor can choose to perform a breast biopsy, which is done by removing a small fragment of the breast tissue and sent to the laboratory for analysis, and normal or neoplastic cells can be identified. Know what the biopsy is and what it is for.
According to the biopsy results and the tests requested by the doctor, it is possible to check the severity of the calcification and establish the best treatment. This is indicated for women with calcifications suspected of being malignant, and surgical removal of the calcifications, use of medications or radiotherapy is recommended.
