Calcifications (also called microcalcifications) are mineral deposits in the breast that may be caused by dried-up secretions, trauma to the breast, resorbed blood, or dead tissue cells. These small calcium deposits are often found in clusters by a mammogram. Dietary calcium levels do not have any relationship to breast calcifications. If a woman has calcifications in the breast she may continue calcium supplements which can be helpful in preventing bone loss, osteoporosis and fracture.

Calcifications (calcium deposits) or microcalcifications (small calcium deposits) are the smallest particles visible on a mammogram. Calcifications are a normal occurrence in aging breast tissues which have gone through changes that cause death of cells, such as cysts, injuries or mastitis (infection.) However, they can also be a sign that cancer may be present. Because of the potential for a malignancy, radiologists study closely the findings of microcalcifications found during mammography. See similar questions...

Calcifications are simply deposits of calcium within the tissues of the breast that show up as small spots on the mammogram. These can be caused by a variety of conditions. 85% of all calcifications are benign. See similar questions...

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. They can invade nearby tissues and form a mass, called a malignant tumor. The cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Breast cancer is many women’s worst fear. But experts have made great progress in treating cancer. If it is found early, breast cancer can often be cured, and it is not always necessary to remove the breast. See similar questions...

Breast augmentation is enhancement of the size of the breasts using inflatable implants filled most often with saline (saline implants). Other substances are also used. The next most common substance used in the implants is silicone (silicone breast implants). Breast augmentation can sometimes be called breast implant surgery, breast enlargement surgery, breast aug, and breast augmentation mammoplasty See similar questions...

These are the recommendations for screening breast MRI, according to the new American Cancer Society guidelines: first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, even if the patient has yet to be tested herself lifetime risk of breast cancer scored at 20%-25% or greater, based on one of several accepted risk assessment tools that look at family history and other factors Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or one of these synd. See similar questions...

Breast implants will not change your risk for breast cancer. The implants may change the feel of breast lumps during an examination - sometimes, breast implants may even make breast lumps easier to detect, by "pushing" the breast lumps closer to the skin surface. We recommend continued surveillence for breast cancer with annual mammograms for those over 35 and routine physical examinations. See similar questions...

A benign breast condition is any non-cancerous breast abnormality. The most common benign breast conditions include fibrocystic change, benign breast tumors, and breast inflammation. Most benign breast conditions such as fibrocystic change or fibroadenomas (small tumors) do not increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer later in life. See similar questions...

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is a global philanthropic and cause marketing initiative of Avon Products, Inc. and the Avon Foundation. First created in the UK in 1992, the Crusade launched in the US in 1993 and Avon now supports breast cancer programs in 50 countries worldwide. The mission of the Avon Crusade is funding advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on medically underserved populations. See similar questions...

Breast exams are not performed at Lenox Hill. We only accept patients who have been referred by their physician and have therefore most likely already had a breast exam. See similar questions...

Yes. Breast cancer in men is rare, however it does occur. Men who have an altered BRCA2 gene have higher rates of breast cancer than men without an altered gene. See similar questions...

They are usually made of a silicone shell and filled with normal saline, the substance that makes up 98 percent of our bodies. The silicone used for the shell is similar to that in artificial hips, knees and intravenous catheters used in the hospital every day. See similar questions...

Microcalcifications are tiny deposits of calcium in the breast, usually of varying shape, size and location. Although breast calcifications are usually benign, changes in the pattern, or new calcifications may indicate the presence of a small or developing breast cancer, or even a pre-cancerous condition. If calcifications are stable from year to year, or clearly benign, no biopsy is necessary. In other cases, a radiologist may recommend a biopsy to determine the cause of the calcifications. See similar questions...

A breast biopsy means removing breast tissue for examination under the microscope. It is the only definitive way to diagnose the nature of a breast mass/lump or calcification. Approximately 80% of breast biopsies are benign. A biopsy may require surgery (excisional biopsy), however, most breast biopsies can be accurately performed by placing a specially designed needle into the suspicious area (stereotaxic core needle biopsy). See similar questions...

Medical authorities recommend not performing electrolysis on the abdomen or breasts during the last Trimester (last 3 months) of the pregnancy using any modality. It is best to leave this decision to the patient, however, as some women are more sensitive during pregnancy. We have treated many pregnant women with no adverse side effects. See similar questions...

Doctors do not know exactly what causes breast cancer. But some things are known to increase the chance that you will get it. These are called risk factors. The main risk factors for breast cancer include:1 Aging. Most breast cancer occurs in women older than 50, and the risk is greatest in women older than 60.2 Family history of breast cancer. You have a higher risk if a close family member, especially your mother or sister, has had breast cancer. Female hormones. See similar questions...

During a regular physical exam, your doctor can check your breasts to look for lumps or changes. Depending on your age and risk factors, the doctor may recommend that you have a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast. A mammogram can often find a lump that is too small to be felt. Sometimes a woman finds a lump during a breast self-exam. If you or your doctor finds a lump or other change, the doctor will want to take a sample of the cells in your breast. This is called a biopsy. See similar questions...