["Numeric increase of microcalcifications, an important radiologic sign of occult breast cancer" (author's transl)]

An increase in the number or the sudden appearance of multiple microcalcifications in the course of a mammographic controls series represent a further important sign of malignancy. In 14 of our cases witha non palpable breast cancer we were able to observe an increase in the number or a sudden appearance of typical calcium precipitates during an observation period, which, according to the case, lasted from 6 to 21 months. Biopsy revealed in all cases an early cancer. Our observations demonstrate the absolute indication for biopsy in all patients, which during a mammographic control series suddenly present microcalcifications, or an increase in the number of the ones that were previously observed. All patients showing clustered microcalcifications, which because of their small number are not demanding a biopsy, should be regarded as risk-cases and observed regularly in order to rule out or demonstrate an increase in the number of calcifications. Follow-up series within six months are recommended.