Abstract
Microcalcifications in the breast are common. A vast majority of microcalcifications are benign and can be clearly recognized as such without resort to biopsy [1]. A small proportion are obviously malignant, but there is a significant proportion of breast microcalcifications that cannot be accurately determined on the basis of imaging alone and require further assessment and often image-guided biopsy [1, 2]. The recognition and biopsy of suspicious microcalcifications is important, as the detection of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and small invasive cancers associated with microcalcification provides the opportunity to positively influence the outcome of these breast cancers through early treatment before the disease has spread beyond the breast [3–5]. The challenge is to detect and diagnose the microcalcifications that matter, and differentiate them from those that are benign.
This is an updated version of the chapter by Müller-Schimpfle M (2012) Microcalcifications of the Breast: An Approach to Radiologic Classification. In: Hodler J, von Schulthess GK, Zollikofer ChL (eds) Diseases of the Brain, Head & Neck, Spine 2012–2015. Springer-Verlag Italia, Milano, pp. 307–310.
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Müller-Schimpfle, M., Wilson, R. (2013). Microcalcifications of the Breast: An Approach to Radiologic Classification. In: Hodler, J., von Schulthess, G.K., Zollikofer, C.L. (eds) Musculoskeletal Diseases 2013–2016. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5292-5_41
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5292-5_41
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