Microcalcification

by Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
June 3, 2022

What is a microcalcification?

A microcalcification is a small deposit of the mineral calcium inside tissue. Microcalcifications can be found anywhere in the body but they are most commonly found in the breast where they are associated with both non-cancerous and cancerous conditions. Imaging studies such as mammography can see microcalcifications in the breast and a biopsy is often performed see determine the cause of the microcalcifications. When examining tissue from the breast under the microscope, pathologists will look for microcalcifications and will include this information in the pathology report.

Non-cancerous breast conditions associated with microcalcifications

Microcalcifications can be seen in a variety of non-cancerous breast conditions including fibrocystic change, fibroadenoma, and usual ductal hyperplasia.

Precancerous and cancerous breast conditions associated with microcalcifications

Microcalcifications can be seen in a variety of precancerous and cancerous breast conditions including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), and invasive lobular carcinoma.