Intramammary calcifications without an associated mass in benign and malignant diseases.

During a 16-year period, 42,888 clinical and radiographic breast studies were performed on 8,000 women. Of this number, 1,161 malignant and 5,270 benign lesions were histologically confirmed. Biopsy of 468 of the 721 breasts that had clustered calcifications not associated with a mass and that were subject to a five- to 16-year follow-up demonstrated 353 benign and 115 malignant lesions. Radiography of the biopsy specimen assured removal and proper study of the area of concern. Radiographic characteristics of the calcifications provide clues to estimate the risk of carcinoma. However, these signs are so nonspecific that all radiographically demonstrable clusters of stippled calcification require histopathologic study. Treatment prior to the formation of a mass provides an excellent prognosis.