Coarse Heterogeneous Calcifications
Coarse heterogeneous calcifications are irregular calcifications that are between 0.5 mm and 1 mm in size. They are usually in a group and are smaller in size than dystrophic calcifications. Although they are of intermediate risk for breast cancer (most commonly, DCIS), they are also associated with benign entities, such as hyalinized/degenerating fibroadenoma, areas of fibrosis, papilloma, and evolving dystrophic calcifications from prior surgery or trauma. Generally, numerous bilateral groups of coarse heterogeneous calcifications may be considered benign. However, baseline magnification views may be helpful to confirm the morphology of the calcifications and to exclude more suspicious pleomorphic morphology. Coarse heterogeneous calcifications in a linear or segmental distribution are suspicious. This chapter reviews the key imaging and clinical features, imaging protocols and pitfalls, differential diagnoses, and management recommendations for coarse heterogeneous calcifications.