J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Apr;32(4):643-647.

Benign Clustered Microcalcifications on Mammography: Comparison with Malignant Calcifications

• Kim YM
• Chung SY
• Chung EA
• Kim SH

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate morphologic characteristics of the clustered microcalcifications in benign lesions and to compare with that of malignant lesions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients with clustered microcalcifications( five calcifications in number per square centimeter)on mammography. We analyzed mammographic findings with regard to shape, size, number/cm2, irregularity of size and shape, presence of central lucency, and accompanied mass density.
RESULTS
Of 12 benign lesions, the most frequent shape was dot or round form (4/12, 33.3%) followed by ring form (3/12, 25%). The size was smaller than 0.5mm in 5 patients (41.7%), 0.5-1 mm in one and more than 1 mm in 6 patients(50%). The number of calcifications per square centimeter were five to ten in 41.7%, more than ten in 58.3%. Of all 21 malignant lesions, the most frequent shape was branching form (8/21, 38.1%). The sizes of calcification were less than 0.5ram in 76.1%(16/21). Central lucency within the calcification was seen only in benign lesions (3/14, 21%). Irregularity ih size and shape of calcifictions was noted in both benign and malignant lesions. Accompanied parenchymal mass density was more commonly associated with malignant lesions(80. 9%) than benign lesions(58.3%).
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that benign clutered microcalcifications on mammography could be differentiated from malignant calcifications with the criteria of larger size, central lucency and infrequent accompanied mass.

MeSH Terms

Humans
Mammography*
Retrospective Studies