[Changes in mammographic features of breast cancer--comparison with previous films]

Mammographic features of 87 breast cancer patients were studied in comparison with their previous survey films. Changes in the mammographic features included microcalicification (28 cases), tumor shadow (35 cases) and intratumorous microcalicifications (6 cases). Seven cases had several extremely faint calcifications on the previous films, and three of six cases with clustered and scattered microcalcifications that extended over an entire breast quadrant had increased in number, density and extent. Eight cases in which clustered microcalcifications had increased in number, density and extent suggested a relationship between the increase in the extent of microcalcifications and length of time between visits. In most cases with tumor shadow, a slight localized increase in mammary gland density, irregular margins and straightened trabeculae were overlooked because of breast density.