A special scoring system known as the BI-RADS system for screening mammogram interpretation has been in effect since 1998. This system was designed to assist in the interpretation of mammograms and provide guidelines for follow-up. A cancerous mass, on the other hand, may have a more irregular outline with fingerlike extensions into the surrounding breast tissue. These findings, however, are not always conclusive , and further tissue biopsy may be needed in some cases. Macro calcifications are coarse calcium deposits that often indicate aging, old injuries, inflammation, or degenerating benign masses.
Micro calcifications are tiny flecks of calcium that often signal an area of rapidly dividing cells.
Clusters of microcalcifications in one area may signal a nearby ductal carcinoma in situ or even an early invasive cancer. About half of the cancers found by mammography present as calcifications. This information is provided for educational purposes only. Please read the disclaimer .