What are mammogram calcifications?

 

Calcifications are a fairly common finding on mammograms.  The only time calcifications must be investigated are those which are tightly clustered and of varying shape.  When a biopsy is found to be necessary, 85% of the time the calcifications will be related to fibrocystic changes and NOT represent cancer.  When calcifications do represent cancer, it is typically a very early type of breast cancer which is confined to the milk duct.  This is call Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS).