Correlation between the histopathology and the characteristics of mammographic microcalcifications in malignant breast lesions

Purpose: Our aim is to determine whether there is a correlation between the histopathological diagnosis of malignant lesions with mammographic microcalcifications and the characteristics of microcalcifications. Materials and methods: The patients who underwent mammographic study and the pathologic correlation of malignancy were reviewed retrospectively between October 2007 and April 2011.43 malignant lesions with microcalcifications at mammography were included in the study. The types and distribution of microcalcifications were assessed according to theACR BI-RADS (American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) classification. İn the histopathological evaluation, histopathological type and nuclear grade of lesions and Ductal Carsinoma ln-situ subtypes were recorded. The Spearman correlation test and cross tables were used in the statistical analysis. Results: There were no significance between types of microcalcifications and histopathological type of lesions (p=0,124). There was no significant association between types of microcalcifications and Ductal Carsinoma ln-situ subtypes (p>0,05). Lesions that showed segmental distribution or pleomorphic microcalcifications were found in association with nuclear grade 2 or 3. Pleomorphic microcalcifications were seen most frequently in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (21/26). Besides, a statistically significant correlation was found between the rate of in situ foci in invasive ductal cancer and the microcalcification types (p = 0,044). Since the “r” value was determined as “-0,52”, a strong inverse correlation was determined between rate of DCIS and the microcalcification types. Conclusion: The characteristics of microcalcifications do not clearly indicate the histopathological type. Besides, it should be considered that spontenously resolving microcalsifications may be regarded as a malign finding.