By Jonas Wilson, Ing. Med.
Breast calcifications on mammography
Up to 80% of breast calcifications found on mammography (breast X-ray) are focally active processes of a benign nature. Mammography is a great tool used in order to detect breast pathologies before they are even palpable. There are two general types of mammography: diagnostic and screening. Screening is usually conducted in women who have no symptoms to identify potentially malignant pathologies at early and possibly curable stages. Diagnostic mammography is done on symptomatic patients to typify pathologies found and arrive at a correct diagnosis.
In order to detect breast calcifications efficiently, a good mammography machine should have a proper source image distance, a small focal spot and dedicated mammography grids. In addition to these, the magnification, proper processing of mammographic films, a viewing box, little ambient light and a computer aided diagnostic system are imperative necessities. Detected calcifications are categorized and described on the basis of the lexicon indicated in BI-RADS (Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System), which is a system used worldwide to ensure a common language between the concerned healthcare professionals.
The approach to breast calcifications
While breast calcifications are very …show more content…
Calcifications that are categorized as probably malignant or probably intraductal tend to be irregular and pleomorphic (varied in size and shape). Furthermore, they are amorphous (without clearly defined form) microcalcifications with fine, linear and branching characteristics and irregular or jagged edges. These lesions are very concerning and a biopsy, diagnostic mammography with spot compression (to view specific area of interest) and a follow-up mammography in 6 months are
Breast calcifications on mammography
Up to 80% of breast calcifications found on mammography (breast X-ray) are focally active processes of a benign nature. Mammography is a great tool used in order to detect breast pathologies before they are even palpable. There are two general types of mammography: diagnostic and screening. Screening is usually conducted in women who have no symptoms to identify potentially malignant pathologies at early and possibly curable stages. Diagnostic mammography is done on symptomatic patients to typify pathologies found and arrive at a correct diagnosis.
In order to detect breast calcifications efficiently, a good mammography machine should have a proper source image distance, a small focal spot and dedicated mammography grids. In addition to these, the magnification, proper processing of mammographic films, a viewing box, little ambient light and a computer aided diagnostic system are imperative necessities. Detected calcifications are categorized and described on the basis of the lexicon indicated in BI-RADS (Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System), which is a system used worldwide to ensure a common language between the concerned healthcare professionals.
The approach to breast calcifications
While breast calcifications are very …show more content…
Calcifications that are categorized as probably malignant or probably intraductal tend to be irregular and pleomorphic (varied in size and shape). Furthermore, they are amorphous (without clearly defined form) microcalcifications with fine, linear and branching characteristics and irregular or jagged edges. These lesions are very concerning and a biopsy, diagnostic mammography with spot compression (to view specific area of interest) and a follow-up mammography in 6 months are