Typical benign calcifications of the breast that do not require biopsy

This article reviews the morphologic appearance, size, distribution, and associated mammographic findings of typical benign calcifications that do not require biopsy. Topics discussed include dermal or skin calcifications, vascular calcifications, lucent-centered calcifications, eggshell or rim calcifications, coarse or popcorn-like calcifications, large rod-like calcifications, round and punctate calcifications, milk of calcium calcifications, suture calcifications, and dystropic calcifications. Confident identification and classification of typical benign breast calcifications decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies and reduce patient anxiety.