Why the way microcalcifications on mammograms are regarded could change

Mediolateral oblique view from a screening mammogram in a 54-year-old woman shows a small cluster of microcalcifications in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. The right image shows a detailed spot magnification view of the calcifications. Stereotactic biopsy revealed grade 2 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). RSNA image. Image of breast micro calcifications associated with breast cancer.

Mediolateral oblique view from a screening mammogram in a 54-year-old woman shows a small cluster of microcalcifications in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. The right image shows a detailed spot magnification view of the calcifications. Stereotactic biopsy revealed grade 2 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). See the next image for an MRI view. Read more. RSNA image.

New research suggests that the tissue environment where microcalcifications of the breast are formed could hold clues into how breast cancer progresses.