More info on Calcifications and Mircrocalcifications...
A finding that would point toward further evaluation would be clustered Mircrocalcifications- four or more close together. A finding of clustered calcium deposits, or calcifications that follow the path of a duct, would be looked at closely by a radiologist, studying the shape and placement of the calcifications. These calcium deposits are the smallest structure that mammography can visualize. Therefore, special close-up mammography views-compression or magnifications-will be taken to give the radiologist the best possible diagnostic picture. Calcifications associated with a malignancy have a pattern which appears to branch, with irregular shaped edges and an asymmetrical (do not look alike) shape. Often there will be a pattern of density (thickness of tissue) surrounding the calcifications that may show up on the mammogram. Sometimes the calcifications will take the shape of a duct which will alert the radiologists to a possibility of intraductal disease.
After close study looking for evidence that would give the slightest suspicion of problems, the radiologist will make a recommendation regarding treatment. If the findings do not have the characteristics of malignancy, the calcifications will be noted on the report and stated to be such. If the calcifications are suspicious, your physician may choose to wait for several months and re-examine with mammography to see if there are any changes in the area. Then, a biopsy using needle localization or stereostatic biopsy can be performed to evaluate the microcalcifications.
©2000 EduCare, Inc., By: Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN. 0509