English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: 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. INTRODUCTION: Breast calcifications are tiny calcium deposits that sometimes form in the breast as a woman ages. Calcifications are too small to feel. They can be seen on mammography where they appear as small bright white spots. Calcifications are common and found in about half of all mammograms of female aged 50 & older and about 1 in 10 mammogram of young women. The recognition that certain patterns of calcium deposition are associated with malignant processes has made possible the early detection of many cancers. The detection of these clustered microcalcifications associated with cancer is unique to mammography and one of its most important functions. Calcifications as small as 0.2 and 0.3 mm are visible on mammography. There are two types of calcification.