[Microcalcifications on the mammaogram, surgical clarification and histologic findings. Concerning the problem of the diagnosis of occult carcinoma of the breast (author's transl)].

Microcalcifications on the mammogram could be an important indication for an occult carcinoma. Up until 31 December 1976, we intentionally removed such grouped microcalcifications 218 times in a group of 17,523 examined females (32,245 mammographs). The selection was confirmed radiologically. The acquired material was then examined histologically via an complicated technique. We found 35 carcinomas and 89 proliferating mastopathies of which 34 required at least strict supervision and sometimes additional treatment. - With strict indications, one-third of the previously clarified cases revealed disorders requiring treatment. In over one-half of the cases, the films indicated nothing of a serious nature. It must, however, be noted that an existing cancer is not always discovered in spite of the intentional excision of microcalcifications. This only serves as an indirect indication.