Breast Ultrasound Calcifications: What You Need to Know

Calcifications in breast ultrasound?

Hello Doctor: I am 32 years old and have been regularly undergoing breast ultrasound examinations since I was 28.
Two years ago, during a breast ultrasound, the doctor noted the presence of calcifications.
After a mammogram, the doctor indicated that they were likely benign calcifications.
Subsequent breast ultrasounds showed no abnormalities.
Recently, during my routine breast ultrasound, calcifications were again noted in the left breast, but there were no other abnormalities.
The doctor suggested that I follow up in six months.
I would like to ask the doctor a few questions: 1.
In this situation, is it really unnecessary to perform a mammogram? 2.
Is it possible for breast ultrasound to detect calcifications this time but not the next time? I am asking this because, apart from the ultrasound two years ago that showed calcifications, the subsequent ultrasounds did not indicate any calcifications.
3.
There is a family history of lung cancer, and I have also undergone low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs in recent years.
If I were to have a mammogram, would that potentially increase my cancer risk? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Xiao Jie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/31

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid

At your age, it seems prudent to be cautious about whether you might be pregnant before undergoing a mammogram.
A mammogram cannot provide additional clarification regarding the lesions seen on a breast ultrasound; they are parallel findings.

Reply Date: 2022/03/31

More Info

Understanding breast ultrasound and calcifications is crucial for women, especially those who have a family history of cancer or have undergone regular screenings. Your situation, where you have been monitoring calcifications in your breast through ultrasound, raises several important points that I will address.

1. Need for Mammography: In your case, the recommendation to follow up with breast ultrasound rather than mammography is not uncommon, especially if previous imaging has shown benign calcifications. Mammography is typically more effective at detecting microcalcifications, which can be indicative of early breast cancer. However, if your previous mammograms have shown benign findings and your ultrasounds have not indicated any new concerns, your doctor may feel that continued ultrasound monitoring is sufficient. That said, it is always reasonable to discuss the potential benefits of mammography with your healthcare provider, especially if there are any changes in your breast tissue or if you have concerns about the calcifications.

2. Variability of Calcifications: It is indeed possible for calcifications to appear in one ultrasound and not in another. Calcifications can be transient and may change due to various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, cyst formation, or even the natural aging process of breast tissue. The fact that your doctor has not noted any new calcifications in subsequent ultrasounds suggests that the previous findings were likely benign. However, it is essential to maintain regular follow-ups as recommended by your healthcare provider.

3. Cancer Risk from Imaging: Regarding your concern about the potential increased risk of cancer from additional imaging, it is important to understand that while mammography does involve exposure to low doses of radiation, the benefits of early detection of breast cancer generally outweigh the risks associated with radiation exposure. The risk of developing breast cancer from mammography is very low, especially when compared to the potential benefits of detecting cancer early. Additionally, the low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening also involve radiation, but the risk is still considered minimal compared to the advantages of early detection, particularly in individuals with a family history of cancer.

In summary, your situation appears to be well-managed with regular ultrasounds, and the presence of benign calcifications is not uncommon. It is crucial to continue following your doctor's recommendations for monitoring and to maintain open communication about any concerns you may have. If you feel uncertain or anxious about your current management plan, seeking a second opinion or discussing the option of mammography with your healthcare provider could provide additional reassurance. Remember, early detection and proactive management are key components in maintaining breast health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Breast Calcifications: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor: I have been regularly undergoing breast ultrasounds every six months and mammograms every two years. The ultrasound revealed a 1.8 cm adenoma in my left breast and 2-3 fibrocystic lesions measuring 0.3-0.5 cm in my right breast. Therefore, my doctor recommended foll...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
This mammography report should be referred back to the breast specialty clinic, where they will arrange for a magnified imaging examination. As for the subsequent management, your outpatient physician will explain the next steps to you.

Understanding Benign Calcifications in Mammograms: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother underwent a breast ultrasound and a mammogram. The ultrasound showed no issues, but the doctor mentioned a benign calcification on the mammogram. Although the doctor said it is benign, we are still a bit concerned. Could you please advise if the ...

Dr. Xie Wenhuai reply Surgery
The breast contains many mammary glands, which can lead to the presence of some calcifications. Mammography can differentiate the distribution of these calcifications and even assess whether they are benign or malignant. If the doctor indicates that they are benign, you can feel ...

Understanding Breast Cysts and Calcifications: What You Need to Know

My mother had a mammogram during a community health check last month, and the report suggested that she should go to a major hospital for further examination, mentioning the presence of calcifications. Therefore, we went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a mammogram and ultraso...

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Xiao Jun, Hello, 1. The manifestations of fibrocystic changes are quite diverse, including pain, nipple discharge, and changes such as cysts and calcifications. However, calcifications are often not visible on ultrasound. 2. The management of cysts typically involves as...

Understanding Breast Calcifications: What You Need to Know and Do

(1) I am 47 years old and regularly undergo mammography and ultrasound follow-ups at a teaching hospital. About a year ago, calcifications were found in both breasts, and two doctors I consulted said that monitoring was sufficient (the calcifications are scattered and not cluster...

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Annie: 1. The assessment of calcifications depends on their distribution, density, and whether they are unilateral or bilateral. If they are bilateral, scattered, and without localized clustering, they are mostly benign changes and can be monitored. It is recommended to ha...