Microcalcifications in breast carcinomas. A histological and histochemical study.

Microcalcification in breast carcinomas were studied histologically and histochemically in 332 prospectively collected mastectomy consecutive specimens, without previous roentgenographic examination. Microcalcifications were found in 41% of breast carcinomas. The incidence was higher in comedo-carcinomas, duct carcinomas nonotherwise specified (N. O. S.) and papillary carcinomas. In situ and infiltrative lobular carcinomas did not show any microcalcification. Histochemically, calcium was shown to be deposited in compound lipids. The morphology and localization of microcalcifications was similar to those described in fibrocystic disease. This should be ascribed to similar structural and cellular conditions in both diseases.