Microcalcification

Microcalcification is a medical term referring to tiny deposits of calcium in tissues, such as the breast or kidney. These deposits are so small they cannot be felt, but they can be detected on mammography or other imaging techniques. Microcalcifications are often benign, but they can sometimes indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor.

Causes

Microcalcifications can be caused by a variety of conditions, including aging, inflammation, previous injury, or an underlying disease such as cancer. In the breast, they are often associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer.

Detection

Microcalcifications are usually detected during routine mammography. They appear as small white spots on the mammogram. If microcalcifications are found, the radiologist will look at their pattern, size, shape, and number to determine if they are likely to be benign or malignant.

Treatment

The treatment for microcalcifications depends on their cause. If they are caused by cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. If they are benign, no treatment may be necessary, but regular monitoring may be recommended to ensure they do not change over time.

See also

• Calcification
• Mammography
• Breast cancer

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