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Mixed form, diffusely scattered calcifications in breast cancer with apocrine features
D B Kopans1, P L Nguyen, F C Koerner
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Radiology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Mammography can reveal concerning calcification patterns in extensive breast cancer. Unusual, chaotic calcifications, even those appearing benign, were associated with malignant cells in 10 women.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mammographic calcifications are common indicators in breast imaging.
- While typically benign, certain calcification patterns can suggest malignancy, such as extensive comedocarcinoma.
- Unusual calcification presentations require careful evaluation to rule out underlying malignancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a unique mammographic pattern of extensive, chaotic calcifications associated with breast cancer.
- To investigate the histological correlation of these unusual calcifications.
- To explore potential explanations for the profuse calcium deposition in these cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of mammograms from 10 women with extensive breast calcifications.
- Correlation of mammographic findings with histopathological examination.
- Analysis of cellular morphology and features of the calcifications.
Main Results:
- Identified 10 cases with widespread, "wild," and chaotic calcifications not typical of known malignant patterns.
- Histological examination revealed these calcifications were associated with extensive breast cancer.
- Many calcifications appeared morphologically benign, yet were linked to malignant cells.
- Apocrine features in cancer cells were noted and hypothesized to contribute to the calcification pattern.
Conclusions:
- Extensive, chaotic calcifications on mammography can indicate underlying breast cancer, even if individual deposits appear benign.
- The presence of apocrine features in breast cancer cells may be associated with unusual patterns of calcification.
- This finding highlights the importance of scrutinizing all calcification patterns, regardless of apparent morphology, in mammographic interpretation.