Microcalcification
Encyclopedia
Microcalcifications are tiny specks of mineral deposits (calcium
), that can be scattered throughout the mammary gland
, or occur in clusters. When found on a mammogram, a radiologist will then decide whether the specks are of concern - usually, this is not the case. Commonly, they simply indicate the presence of tiny benign cyst
s, but can signify the presence of early breast cancer
; for this reason, it is important to attend regular screening sessions, as recommended by your health service.
They are caused by a number of reasons:
Aging - the majority of diagnoses are made in women over 50
Benign causes
Genetic - involving the BRCA1
and BRCA2
genes
Depending on what pattern the microcalcifications present determines the future course of the action, whether it be further investigatory techniques (as part of the triple assessment), or more regular screening.
Calcium
Calcium is the chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It has an atomic mass of 40.078 amu. Calcium is a soft gray alkaline earth metal, and is the fifth-most-abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust...
), that can be scattered throughout the mammary gland
Mammary gland
A mammary gland is an organ in mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring. Mammals get their name from the word "mammary". In ruminants such as cows, goats, and deer, the mammary glands are contained in their udders...
, or occur in clusters. When found on a mammogram, a radiologist will then decide whether the specks are of concern - usually, this is not the case. Commonly, they simply indicate the presence of tiny benign cyst
Cyst
A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, a cyst could go away on its own or may have to be removed through surgery.- Locations :* Acne...
s, but can signify the presence of early breast cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
; for this reason, it is important to attend regular screening sessions, as recommended by your health service.
They are caused by a number of reasons:
Aging - the majority of diagnoses are made in women over 50
Benign causes
Genetic - involving the BRCA1
BRCA1
BRCA1 is a human caretaker gene that produces a protein called breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein, responsible for repairing DNA. The first evidence for the existence of the gene was provided by the King laboratory at UC Berkeley in 1990...
and BRCA2
BRCA2
BRCA2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BRCA2 gene.BRCA2 orthologs have been identified in most mammals for which complete genome data are available....
genes
Depending on what pattern the microcalcifications present determines the future course of the action, whether it be further investigatory techniques (as part of the triple assessment), or more regular screening.