Study of Physiological and Pathological Breast Calcifications on Mammography

Abstract

Breast calcifications are too small to feel. They can be seen on mammography. They are common and found in about half of all mammograms of females aged 50 and older and one in 10 mammograms of young women. The initial assessment of calcification is made to determine if they confirm well established benign morphologies. Calcifications with benign morphologies require no further investigation. If the characteristics of the calcification are such that they cannot be reliably classified as due to benign processes, then additional evaluation is indicated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 mammograms showing calcification in females of different age group were studied. 4 age groups were included 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65-74yrs.The size, morphology and distribution of calcification was studied. OBSERVATION AND CONCLUSION: Calcification is a frequent finding in both benign and malignant breast diseases. Distribution of calcification is often a clue to their etiology when no evident mass is present.