The short answer
Calcifications are calcium deposits in breast tissue that can be seen on a mammogram but cannot be felt. NCI distinguishes macrocalcifications, which are usually not related to cancer, from microcalcifications, which are tiny specks. A cluster or suspicious pattern of microcalcifications may need more imaging or biopsy.
Calcifications are calcium deposits seen on mammogram images.
They cannot be felt by touch and are not caused by eating calcium.
Macrocalcifications are usually benign.
Microcalcification pattern, grouping, and BI-RADS category guide follow-up.
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The full explanation.
The short answer
Calcifications are small deposits of calcium in breast tissue. They show up on mammograms but are too small or too deep to feel. The key issue is not the word itself, but the size, pattern, grouping, and BI-RADS recommendation.
Macrocalcifications
Macrocalcifications are larger calcium deposits. NCI notes they are usually not related to cancer. They may be linked with normal aging, past injury, inflammation, cysts, or other benign breast changes.
Microcalcifications
Microcalcifications are tiny specks. Many are benign, but clusters or certain patterns can occur in areas where cells are dividing quickly. That is why microcalcifications may lead to magnification views, short-interval follow-up, or biopsy.
What the report may include
A radiology report may describe calcifications as scattered, grouped, linear, branching, coarse, punctate, or suspicious. These words help the radiologist decide the BI-RADS category and follow-up plan.
What to ask next
Ask whether the calcifications are new or stable, whether older mammograms were compared, what BI-RADS category was assigned, and what the recommended next step is. Those details matter more than the word 'calcification' alone.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Are breast calcifications cancer?
Usually not. Many calcifications are benign. Some microcalcification patterns can be suspicious and may need more testing.
▸Can I feel calcifications?
No. NCI notes that breast calcifications are seen on a mammogram but cannot be detected by touch.
Questions to ask your doctor
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Your next step
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