Unusual presentation of dermal microcalcifications on mammography images: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Calcifications and microcalcifications are mineral deposits in the breast tissue. Breast calcifications are a common mammographic finding, present on over 80% of images, and they are usually benign. Characteristics such as size, shape, number, distribution pattern, location, density, and other findings help determine the pathology. Dermal calcifications of the breast are superficial and benign calcifications that are usually found on the sebaceous glands of the skin. In some cases, calcifications can be the first marker of underlying cancer development. They may be associated with the presence of ductal carcinoma in situ or even invasive ductal carcinoma that has spread to the surrounding breast tissue. By correct identification of benign calcifications as such, unnecessary interventions and use of limited resources can be avoided. Case Report. A 66-year-old female patient presented for a regular mammography check-up. On the previous mammographic examination, she was categorized as bilateral breast imaging reporting and data system 1. The new mammography images showed numerous newly formed grouped microcalcifications at the junction of the lower quadrants of the right breast, and a stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy was indicated. During the biopsy attempt, the image guided biopsy program did not detect any calcifications in the parenchyma or in any projection and therefore it did not allow the biopsy procedure to continue after several attempts. Examination of the right breast skin revealed lesions treated by the patient for a few weeks; a repeat mammogram was performed and it was observed that the calcifications were of dermal origin. Conclusion. Dermal calcifications are mostly tiny, about the size of skin pores, single or clustered, and often have a calcified rim surrounding a lucent center. However, dermal calcifications deserve a special attention, because they sometimes lack a lucent center and simulate grouped intraparenchymal calcifications that require careful monitoring or biopsy.