When looking at the mammogram, these areas appear very white in contrast to the surrounding breast tissue. The normal breast tissue configuration is usually similar in both breasts. When an area appears that looks different in one breast from the other, or changes from one year to the next, this is referred to as an asymmetric density or architectural distortion. If there is truly an abnormal density, it remains on this image and is usually more clearly defined. An ultrasound may then be performed to provide additional information.
Calcifications are tiny specks of calcium that are clustered together.
They may vary in size, shape, and number. Magnification views are usually performed to further evaluate these tiny calcifications. Ultrasound cannot locate tiny calcifications. A biopsy is recommended when the calcifications are not clearly benign on the magnification views. Sometimes there are clearly benign calcifications present.