I just had a mammogram and they found calcifications. Now I need a biopsy. What is calcification?

--Rosemarie

Calcifications, or calcium deposits, are areas where the mineral calcium has been laid down in the body. In the breast, these calcifications can be of several types and are classified based on how they look on the mammogram.

-- "Popcorn" calcifications look just like that -- fluffy, like popcorn; they are benign and are usually due to calcium being deposited around the edges of old cysts.

-- "Microcalcifications" are tiny dots that may be scattered or clustered; they may be associated with either benign or malignant (cancerous) processes. Sometimes microcalcifications are biopsied, and sometimes they are followed with a repeat mammogram of that area in four to six months; the recommendation depends on the exact appearance on the mammogram, comparison with earlier mammograms and your personal risk factors for breast cancer.

-- "Spiculated" calcifications look like spider webs or crab legs. They require a biopsy, as they are often associated with cancer.

Not all breast cancers have calcifications on mammograms, just as not all calcifications are reason for worry. Any lump that can be felt by you or your doctor deserves very close follow-up, even if it is not seen on a mammogram. Likewise, any abnormality on mammogram needs biopsy or close follow-up even if it cannot be felt on exam. The opinion of the radiologist reading the mammogram as well as that of your own doctor, plus your wishes, must be taken into account in deciding what to do.