Computer-assisted analysis of mammographic clustered calcifications.

A total of 127 biopsy-proven clustered mammographic calcifications were diagnosed and evaluated using multiple parameters. The results were subjected to computer analysis. The number of calcifications/cm2 was the most important parameter. Less than 10 calcifications/cm2 resulted in an 82% chance of being benign while 10 or more calcifications/cm2 had a 44% chance of being malignant. The average distance between the calcifications in the cluster was also significant, with a 92% chance of being benign if greater than 1 mm and a 52% chance of being malignant if less than 1 mm. The remaining parameters did not yield statistically significant results, but there were trends which suggest that less than 10 clustered calcifications that are regular in size and shape and orderly in appearance tend to be benign while disorderly clusters tend to be malignant. In order to decrease the number of false positive biopsies and improve the cost-effectiveness of screening mammography, radiologists should consider 6-month follow-up mammography as a reasonable alternative for clustered calcifications that appear benign.