PURPOSE: To evaluate differential points of clustered microcalcification in malignant and benign lesions on histopathology and correlate with mammographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors evaluated differential points of malignant and benign calcifications in histopathologically confirmed 24 cases. In two patients, mapping studies and paraffin block mammographic examinations were done to correlate calcification on mammography with histopathologic morphology. RESULT: On histopathology, malignant calcifications were located in ductal lumen, while benign ones were usually located in ductal epithelium(p<0.05). However, associated three benign lesions of the 10 malignant lesions showed still benign calcifications adjacent to proven cancer. The typical malignant calcifications were the shape of lamination, while benign calcifications showed granular and salty on light microscope. In 2 mapping studies, malignant-looking calcifications within the area of predominant benign calcifications yielded atypical ductal hyperplasia. Mammographic pepper, granular, punctate, salty and S-shaped calcifications were correlated with granular and salty calcification on light microscope. Mammographic linear, branching, comma, tadpole and wormiform calcifications were correlated with histopathologic laminated calcification. CONCLUSION: Authors have recognized about characteristics of malignant Vs. benign clustered microcalcifications on histopathology. Authors concluded that if malignant-looking calcification such as linear, branching, comma, tadpole and wormiform are present in an are a of predominant benign calcifications, specimen radiographic correlation and mapping study will be necessary for better demonstration of the atypical ductal hyperplasia, hidden or associated breast cancer.
Breast Neoplasms ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Larva ; Mammography* ; Paraffin