Clustered calcification of the breast is a symptom, not a disease, of a variety of benign and malignant breast diseases that are detected on imaging tests such as mammography.
Breast calcification refers to the deposition of calcium salts in breast tissue and is a manifestation of benign or malignant breast diseases. Malignant tumors such as breast cancer may present with calcification due to necrotic debris from cancer cells and secretion from cancer cells; benign diseases such as breast cysts, hyperplasia, and fibromas may also present with calcification due to active secretion of breast cells and deposition of calcium salts.
Cluster calcification is a description of the distribution of calcifications and refers to the presence of several foci of calcification in a smaller volume of breast tissue. The lower limit ranges from a minimum of 5 foci of calcification in 1 cm of breast tissue to an upper limit of more foci of calcification in 2 cm of intramammary tissue.
Calcifications can usually be detected on imaging tests such as mammography and ultrasound, with mammography being the most sensitive to calcifications. Examination of the morphology and distribution of the calcification foci can help to assess the benign or malignant nature of the breast lesions, e.g., coarse homogeneous diffuse calcification foci are usually benign, whereas linear and segmental irregularities of calcification foci may be malignant.
Patients are advised to consult a specialist with the report and follow the doctor’s instructions for further examination and treatment.