Calcification in breast lesions: pathologists' perspective

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Calcification evaluation is crucial in breast mammography for lesion assessment.
• Calcification morphology and distribution correlate with lesion histology.
• Radiological classification categorizes calcifications into benign, intermediate, and high probability of malignancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the relationship between breast lesion calcification characteristics and underlying pathology.
• To explore how calcification patterns can predict tumor features such as size, grade, and invasion.

Main Methods:

• Review of mammographic calcification morphologies and their association with histopathological diagnoses.
• Categorization of calcifications based on radiological features (morphology, distribution).

Main Results:

• Benign entities like fibrocystic changes present specific calcifications (e.g., milk of calcium).
• Malignant lesions, including ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive duct carcinoma, exhibit irregular, pleomorphic, or branching calcifications.
• Calcification analysis can potentially predict tumor size, grade, and invasion.

Conclusions:

• Mammographic calcification patterns are valuable indicators of breast lesion histology.
• Detailed analysis of calcification characteristics enhances diagnostic accuracy and aids in treatment planning.