Breast calcifications describe the build-up of calcium salts in breast tissue. These calcium deposits can accumulate as a result of normal aging. Breast calcifications can also be caused by an infection in the breast or form as a result of breast implants. In some cases they can be a sign of cancer.

Breast calcifications are usually found on routine mammogram and typically do not cause any symptoms. They are classified as benign (not cancer) or suspicious for malignancy based on their size, shape, and other characteristics.

Management of breast calcifications involves referral to a breast specialist, especially if there is a concern for cancer. Treatment will depend on the characteristics of the calcifications and may involve surgical removal, medications, and/or radiation.

Woman having mammogram with female tech assisting

Common symptoms

Breast calcifications do not usually cause any symptoms, but they may be felt during a self breast exam. They are usually discovered on routine imaging, such as a mammogram.

It is important to consult your doctor or health care provider right away if you experience itchiness of the breast, changes in the color or shape of the nipple, or discharge/drainage from the nipple, as these can be signs of other problems, including cancer.

Possible causes

One of the main causes of breast calcifications is normal aging, as breast cells undergo a gradual process of degeneration.

Other possible causes of breast calcifications include:

Leftover breast milk;
Infection of the breast;
Injury to the breast;
Silicone breast implants;
Fibroadenoma.

While breast calcifications are benign in the majority of cases, calcium deposits in the breast tissue can be a sign of breast cancer and may require further workup and treatment if necessary.

Confirming a diagnosis

The diagnosis of breast calcifications is made by a breast care specialist (mastologist) or gynecologist based on exams like a mammogram or an ultrasound of the breast.

In some cases a doctor may recommend a biopsy of the breast, in which a small piece of breast tissue is removed and sent to the lab for analysis, including checking for the presence of any cancer cells.

Treatment will depend on the results of the biopsy and other exams, which can confirm to what degree the calcification is concerning.

Different types

Based on the characteristics observed on mammogram and breast ultrasound, calcifications can be categorized into the following types:

Benign: characterized by macrocalcifications (greater than 0.5 mm) that have a regular shape and well-defined borders;
Likely benign: macrocalcifications with an irregular shape;
Suspicious for malignancy: groups of microcalcifications (calcifications less than 0.5 mm) are observed;
High suspicion for malignancy: the presence of high density microcalcifications of various sizes in a branching pattern.

Proper classification of breast calcifications is essential in order to guide treatment decisions, especially in the case of suspected malignancy.

Treatment options

Treatment of breast calcifications depends on the characteristics of the calcification. Those that appear benign usually only require monitoring. This may involve a yearly mammogram or more frequent imaging as recommended by your breast specialist.

A biopsy of the breast is indicated when calcifications appear more irregular or asymmetrical in shape. This is to rule out the presence of a tumor.

A branching pattern noted on imaging is suggestive of malignancy and also requires a biopsy. If malignancy is confirmed, treatment will involve surgery to remove the calcification and may include radiotherapy (radiation) and/or the use of other medications.

Risk for cancer

A calcification itself cannot turn into cancer, as it is a collection of calcium in the breast tissue and not the result of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

However, the presence of calcifications can be a sign of cancer, especially calcifications with an irregular or asymmetrical shape that are scattered throughout the breast and seen in a branching pattern on imaging.