[X-ray mammography : calcifications, masses and architectural distortions]

Mammography, breast ultrasound and MRI of the breast are the most relevant diagnostic tools in the early detection of breast cancer. In this context, mammography is superior to the other imaging modalities in the depiction of tumor-associated microcalcifications. Moreover, this method reliably depicts masses within lipomatous surrounding tissue. However, in patients with dense parenchyma (type III and IV according to the American College of Radiology, ACR), mammography is limited in the detection of non-calcified carcinoma. Here, the sensitivity for diagnosis of breast cancer decreases to less than 50%. In conclusion, the diagnosis of breast carcinoma on mammograms is based on the depiction of pleomorphic or fine-linear microcalcifications, irregularly shaped masses with ill-defined or spiculated borders and focal architectural distortions.