Treatment of Breast Microcalcifications

About the disease

Breast microcalcifications are formed by an accumulation of calcium salts in the breast tissue. Most commonly, this condition is absolutely painless, because the calcium salt formations are so small that they are rarely noticeable. Breast microcalcifications are more common in older women who have gone through the menopause. It is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately 10% of the female population.

Breast microcalcifications are usually benign and rarely become malignant. Nonetheless, in some rare cases breast microcalcifications can indeed be an early sign of cancer, so it's better to undergo all diagnostic measures to make sure there are no malignant cells in the breast tissue. Breast microcalcifications are very often accompanied by other common conditions of the breast, such as breast cysts.

Breast microcalcifications can develop as a result of previous surgery or trauma to the breast. Not only can they form in the breast tissue, they can also develop in the blood vessels of the breast, which can be a more dangerous condition. Breast implants can also contribute to the development of breast microcalcifications during a woman’s lifetime. Some endocrinological conditions, such as diabetes, or certain heart problems can also cause breast microcalcifications. In most cases, these microcalcifications are easily treatable and are diagnosed during a general check-up or when diagnosing other conditions, such as cysts.

Symptoms

• There are generally no symptoms for this disease. However, since it is often accompanied by other conditions, it can cause symptoms such as tenderness or pain in the breast. A lump may also develop.

Diagnosis

• A mammogram is the most commonly used diagnostic measure for the diagnosis of breast microcalcifications. This test makes an image of the breast tissue and identifies accumulations of calcium salts as white spots. These white spots are usually round but can be large or small, depending on the severity of the condition. They can also be scattered chaotically or form a line, which makes them easier to diagnose.
• If the mammogram creates an image that gives the doctor any cause for concern, a biopsy may performed to rule out the possibility of malignancy.

Treatment

• Breast microcalcifications are usually surgically removed. Since it cannot be found by touch alone, a mammogram or ultrasound will be used to guide a special wire to the specific location of the microcalcification. This surgical procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. There may be some scarring, but it usually goes away after some time. 

Authors: Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko