Mammographic Findings of Benign Breast Calcifications

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the characteristics of benign breast calcifications on mammogram. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Benign breast calcifications on mammograms of 25 patients, which were confirmed by needle localization and excisional biopsy(15 cases), cytology(1 case), or follow-up study(9 cases), were retrospectively analysed according to size, shape, number, distribution, and density. RESULTS: The size of benign breast calcifications was uniform in 4 cases (16%), and variable in 21 cases (84%). The shape of calcifications was round or oval in 18 cases(72%), linear or branching pattern in 6 cases (24%), and irregular in 1 case(4%). The number of calcifications was 2-5 in 7 cases(28%), and over 6 in 12 cases(48%). The distribution of calcifications was focal in 13 cases(52%) and diffuse in 12 cases(48%). The density of calcification was homogenous in all 25 cases(100%). CONCLUSION: Analysis of number, shape, size, and distribution is helpful for the diagnosis of benign breast calcifications. However the homogenous density of the calcification is suggested to be the most helpful criterion for the diagnosis of benign breast calcifications.