Understanding Califications

Hindsfeet

Something was said in another thread that completely threw me concerning califications. Up until now I thought califications were in breast tissue that surrounded the infected duct. I read a few minutes ago on the Internet that califications can be found in the duct and breast tissue. I read, or heard someone say that califcations are the body creating a barrier around a tumor. Someone else on the threads wrote that it was debre from dying cancer cells? I also read that mammo's show up califications and mri's do not. I'm not sure if this is true. I heard it both ways.

If I misunderstood califications, I'm sure others have, as well. I am a novice here, but felt led to bring up this queston, and put forth information that I found that might clear up calification questions and perhaps you have information that will give a better explanation of what is calification and why is it sometimes dangerous and other times not? Do calificatons show up on mri's and if not, why?

Hindsfeet

 http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4793bfde0ed53

Intraductal calcifications
These calcifications are calcified cellular debris or secretions within the intraductal lumen.
The uneven calcification of the cellular debris explains the fragmentation and irregular contours of the calcifications.
These calcifications are extremely variable in size, density and form (i.e. pleomorphic from the Greek pleion 'more' and morphe 'form').
Sometimes they form a complete cast of the ductal lumen.
This explains why they often have a fine linear or branching form and distribution.
Intraductal calcifications are suspicious of malignancy and are classified as BI-RADS 4 or 5.

Hindsfeet

Here are some of the many causes of benign breast

calcifications:http://breastcancer.about.com/od/mammograms/p/calcifications.htm

• Calcium within the fluid of a benign cyst (this is called "milk of calcium").
• Calcifications associated with a dilated milk duct.
• An old injury to the breast.
• Inflammation due to infection.
• Skin calcifications caused by dermatitis (a rash) or metallic residues from powder, deodorants or ointments.
• Prior radiation therapy for breast cancer.
• Calcification of the arteries.
• Calcifications in a noncancerous growth called a fibroadenoma.

Where and How Often Do Calcifications Appear?:

• macrocalcifications show up in about 50 percent of women over 50, and 10 percent of women under 50 years of age
• macrocalcifications are usually not worrisome and won't require a biopsy
• 80 percent of microcalcifications are benign
• microcalcifications can help detect ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

References:

pmw148

Not sure if I'm allowed to reply to this informative post:-) Can a radiologist tell the difference between a micro-calcification that is on the skin versus within the deep breast tissue? I have a call back due to suspected artifact from deodorant, though it can't be deodorant, and I'm wondering if that means it appears on the surface. Thank you for this wonderful summation of micro-calcification on mammogram. I am keeping my mind on the notation that 80% are benign, hoping that is my case.

ballet12

Hi pmw, I read your other post.  You don't even know if what they are seeing is microcalcifications.  Take it one step at a time.  Also, the "80 percent" figure, refers to 80 percent of biopsies, not 80 percent of calcifications.