Breast calcifications are small dots of calcium salts that can occur anywhere in the breast tissue. They are very common and are usually benign (noncancerous) . However, sometimes they can suggest early breast cancer. Researchers do not know what causes calcifications, but several possible explanations exist. Calcium deposits form in response to various processes affecting breast tissue. Possible causes of breast calcifications include breast injury, breast cysts, breast infections, aging arteries in the breast, benign breast lumps (fibroadenomas), mammary duct ectasia, previous breast surgery, and previous breast cancer treatment. Sometimes, products that contain radiopaque materials or metals, such as deodorants, creams, or powders, may mimic calcifications on a mammogram, making it more difficult to interpret whether the calcifications are due to benign or cancerous changes.

Breast calcifications are usually detected during a mammogram and do not cause any symptoms. If the calcifications look benign, nothing more needs to be done, and they do not need to be removed. However, if the breast calcifications are due to atypical change, this may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. If one or more follow-up tests indicate that the calcifications are abnormal or may be signs of cancer, further investigation may be necessary. Treatment options may include monitoring the tissue for any concerning changes, removing the breast tissue or the entire breast, chemotherapy and/or radiation, and targeted drug therapy. It is important to discuss the results and treatment options with a healthcare provider.