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Updated: Oct 2, 2025
A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Cancer yield and imaging features of probably benign calcifications at digital magnification view
Minah Lee1, Si Eun Lee2, Hye Rim Kim3
1Department of Radiology, Research Institute of Radiologic Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
Objectives:
To investigate the malignancy rate of probably benign calcifications assessed by digital magnification view and imaging and clinical features associated with malignancy.
Methods:
This retrospective study included consecutive women with digital magnification views assessed as probably benign for calcifications without other associated mammographic findings from March 2009 to January 2014. Initial studies rendering a probably benign assessment were analyzed, with biopsy or 4-year imaging follow-up. Fisher's exact test and univariable logistic regression were performed. Cancer yields were calculated.
Results:
A total of 458 lesions in 422 patients were finally included. The overall cancer yield was 2.2% (10 of 458, invasive cancer [n = 4] and DCIS [n = 6]). Calcification distribution (OR = 23.80, p = .041), calcification morphology (OR = 10.84, p = .005), increased calcifications (OR = 29.40, p = .001), and having a concurrent newly diagnosed breast cancer or high-risk lesion (OR = 10.24, p = .001) were associated with malignancy. Cancer yields did not significantly differ between grouped punctate calcifications vs. calcifications with other features (1.2% [2 of 162] vs. 2.7% [8 of 296], p = .506). The cancer yield was 1.6% (7 of 437) in women without newly diagnosed breast cancer or high-risk lesions.
Conclusion:
The cancer yield of probably benign calcifications assessed by digital magnification view was below the 2% threshold for grouped punctate calcifications and for women without newly diagnosed breast cancer or high-risk lesions. Calcification distribution, morphology, increase in calcifications, and the presence of newly diagnosed breast cancer/high-risk lesion were associated with malignancy.
Key Points:
• Among 458 probably benign calcifications assessed by digital magnification view, the overall cancer yield was 2.2% (10 of 458). • The cancer yield was below the 2% threshold for grouped punctate calcifications (1.2%, 2 of 162) and in women without newly diagnosed breast cancer or high-risk lesions (1.6%, 7 of 437). • Calcification distribution, morphology, increase in calcifications, and the presence of newly diagnosed breast cancer/high-risk lesion were associated with malignancy (all p < .05).
