Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This information explains what breast calcifications are and how they're diagnosed.
Breast calcifications are small areas of calcium in the breast|. They can't be felt and can only be detected on a breast x‑ray (mammogram). Calcifications are very common, and in most cases they're are harmless. There are two types:
Macrocalcifications are coarse calcium deposits in the breast. They look like large white dots or dashes on a mammogram. They're a natural result of breast ageing. They're found in about half of all women over the age of 50, and in about 1 in 10 (10%) younger women. They may be caused by calcium deposits in a cyst or in milk ducts as women get older. They may also be the result of previous injuries or inflammation.
Calcium in the diet does not cause calcifications to form.
Macrocalcifications are harmless. They're not linked with cancer and don't need any treatment or monitoring.
Microcalcifications are tiny calcium deposits that show up as fine white specks on a mammogram. They're usually found in an area of the breast where cells are being replaced more quickly than normal. Microcalcifications are not usually due to cancer. In a small number of cases, however, a group of microcalcifications seen in one area (a cluster) may be a sign of pre‑cancerous changes or early breast cancer|.
If your mammogram shows that there are calcifications, a person who specialises in reading x-rays and scans will look at the size, shape and pattern of calcifications. This will normally be a radiologist. They will then decide if any further tests or investigations are needed. If just macrocalcifications are found, no further treatment is needed.
If microcalcifications are found, you will usually be asked to have a close-up mammogram (magnification views) of the affected area. Depending on the results of this, your doctor may recommend:
When calcifications are detected, there is usually no lump in the breast to show exactly where the calcification is, so a biopsy is taken using one of the following techniques:
An ultrasound or a mammogram linked to a computer is used to produce detailed pictures (images) of the breast tissue. These images help the doctor guide a needle into the area of the calcifications so that samples of the tissue can be taken. The needle biopsy| is done under a local anaesthetic, which numbs the area. The tissue that has been removed is then x-rayed to confirm that the area of calcification has been biopsied successfully.
This is usually only done when a needle (core) biopsy has been unsuccessful at removing enough of the calcification, or when the result is not clear. It's a two‑stage procedure. Both stages usually take place on the same day, but occasionally localisation may be carried out on the day before the operation.
You will have a mammogram to show where the microcalcifications are in your breast. The doctor injects local anaesthetic into that area of the breast to numb it. Usually a thin wire is then usually inserted into the area of microcalcification and kept in place with a dressing. Alternatively, a small amount of radioactive drug (or tracer) is injected into the area of microcalcification.
Using the wire or the radioactive tracer as a guide, the surgeon removes the area of tissue to be biopsied. This may be done under a local or general anaesthetic.
Most microcalcifications are shown by a biopsy to be non‑cancerous (benign).
If breast cancer cells are detected, they're usually either non‑invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)|, early cancerous changes contained within the milk ducts, or small, early breast cancers that have not spread. We have more information about these types of breast cancer cells|.
You may feel anxious| if you're told you have breast calcifications. Some women immediately think that they have cancer, but it is important to remember that most breast calcifications are benign and aren't caused by cancer.
If you have worries or concerns, you may it find it helpful to discuss these with your doctor or specialist breast nurse at the clinic, or to contact one of our cancer support specialists|.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.