Breast Calcification
& Menopause
As a woman ages and enters into perimenopause and eventually into full menopause, her breasts become less fibrous and less dense. As the breast changes over time, small calcifications can remain. Generally, these calcifications don't indicate a problem and are considered normal breast changes, according to Breasthealthproject.com.
Caution
However, when a group of calcifications appears on a mammogram, this often proves a precursor to breast cancer development.
Hyperplasia
If a woman has breast cancer, her breast cells begin dividing rapidly. This is called hyperplasia or too many cells. Hyperplasia can result in micro (meaning less than 1mm) calcifications, which can produce debris.
Causes
Benign or noncancerous breast calcifications often result of an old injury or infection. Hormonal changes as well as calcium deposits in a duct or artery can result in calcifications. Past radiation treatment, as well as something as simple as deodorant, may create calcifications.
Appearance
Dr. Martee Henslsey explains that calcium or calcifications are opaque and will appear white on a mammogram. Macrocalcifications or large calcifications rarely present as cancerous. If the calcifications are smaller and grouped together this often proves a sign of breast cancer.
Expert Insight
According to the Mayo Clinic, breast calcifications become more common after menopause.
Tags: breast cancer, Breast Calcification, Breast Calcification Menopause, breast calcifications, breast changes
