MAMMOGRAPHIC SCREENING IN THE DETECTION OF MICROCALCIFICATIONS AND EARLY BREAST CANCER

Micro calcifications can occur in benign and malignant diseases. Scattered bilateral micro calcifications are usually present in benign breast diseases, but irregular shape and development of new calcifications among diffusely scattered bilateral calcifications, on follow up study, should also raise suspicion for being malignant. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of micro calcifications and malignancy in women included in a screening program. This is a prospective study: 750 women were included in a screening program at regional hospital in Shkodra over the period 2012 -2013. Clustered and scattered micro calcifications were included in the study. Age women included in this study ranged from 30-80 years (mean 52 years). Micro calcifications were detected in 113 (15%) of screened women. Ninety seven (86%) had clustered micro calcifications and 16 (14%) had scattered micro calcifications. In 35(31%) of calcifications was detected a cancer. 53(47%) women had < 10 micro calcifications/cm(2), 26 (22%) had 10-20 micro calcifications/cm(2) and 12 (10%) had > 20 micro calcifications/cm(2). Irregularity in size of micro calcifications was found in 55 (48.7%) of patients, while mean density of micro calcifications was found in 57 patients. The study highlights the effectiveness of the screening program in diagnosing micro calcification and malignancy in women.