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Mammography
Mammography

Mammogram - calcifications
Alternative Names:
Calcifications on mammograms

Information:

Question:
What if your mammogram shows calcifications?

Answer:
According to the American Cancer Society, calcifications or microcalcifications seen on a mammogram are small mineral deposits that show up as white spots on the mammogram film. Calcifications can be benign, but they can also be a sign of breast cancer. Sometimes the changes may be monitored by more mammograms. Other times a breast biopsy will be recommended, if the calcifications are tightly clustered, or show characteristics that are worrisome to the radiologist.
Review Date: 1/22/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial. (1/22/2002). Previous review: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director; RxRemedy. (10/1/1999).
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