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Clustered intramammary microcalcifications not associated with a mass
C M Fok1, V B Reynolds, K A Tan
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Singapore Medical Journal
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Biopsies for clustered microcalcifications in Chinese women are often benign but can indicate high-risk lesions. Further histopathologic study is crucial due to overlapping mammographic appearances between benign and malignant cases.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mammographic clustered microcalcifications are a common finding.
- Distinguishing benign from malignant microcalcifications radiologically can be challenging.
- Dense breast parenchyma, common in Chinese females, can obscure or be associated with microcalcifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the histopathologic findings of clustered microcalcifications in a Chinese female population.
- To assess the malignancy yield and identify high-risk benign lesions within these microcalcification clusters.
- To highlight the limitations of current radiologic assessment for predicting malignancy in microcalcification clusters.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 36 biopsies performed for clustered microcalcifications over 2.5 years.
- Analysis of histopathologic diagnoses (benign vs. malignant).
- Identification of benign cases with features associated with increased cancer risk.
Main Results:
- Out of 36 biopsies, 30 were benign and 6 were malignant.
- Four benign cases exhibited histological features indicating an increased risk for carcinoma.
- A low malignancy yield was observed, despite biopsy recommendations.
Conclusions:
- Clustered microcalcifications in Chinese women often prove benign but can harbor high-risk lesions.
- Histopathologic examination is essential for accurate diagnosis due to overlapping mammographic features.
- Radiologic assessment alone is insufficient for predicting malignancy in microcalcification clusters.