Signs of Breast Cancer on a Mammogram

A mammogram is a test that women take to determine if they have breast cancer, precancerous conditions or any other abnormalities with their breasts. These tests have become useful in diagnosing abnormalities at an early stage. Finding breast cancer or precancerous conditions in the breast early is the key to diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Women who have reached the age of 40 should have a mammogram every year.

Calcifications

Calcifications are small mineral deposits within the breasts. When a woman has breast calcifications, they show up as tiny white spots on the mammogram. A macrocalcification is a larger calcification that usually show up because of inflammation or change in the breast arteries. They are almost always non-cancerous and show up fairly regularly after women have reached the age of 50.

Microcalcifications are much smaller specks of calcium that show up in the breast. A microcalcification does not necessarily mean that breast cancer is present, but it is a more dangerous condition than macrocalcification. Your physician will recommend a biopsy if microcalcifications show up in a suspicious pattern.

Masses

A mass can be a non-cancerous, solid tumor, but it also could be cancer. If your doctor finds a mass, it should be watched or biopsied. Your doctor will determine if further imaging tests are needed or a biopsy should be done right away. Your physician will be looking at the size, shape and the edges of the mass to make a determination on how likely the condition is to being cancerous. If you have had previous mammograms and that mass has been there previously and it has not changed shape, it is probably not cancerous. If there has been changed, they should be biopsied

Cysts

A cyst will show up on a mammogram, occasionally. Cysts are non-cancerous conditions. A cyst is a sac that is filled with fluid. Your doctor will treat this cyst by taking a long, thin and hollow needle and draining the fluid. This procedure is called aspiration.