2023 Volume 32 Issue 2 Pages 239-243
[Introduction] There are some cases of breast cancer cases in which the mammographic (MMG) findings do not match any of the diagnostic criteria. We reported a case of breast cancer in which the detection of gross calcification on the MMG initially led to the suspicion of a benign tumor. [Case] A 65-year-old woman who presented with a history of having been aware of the presence of a right breast mass from her 40’s. MMG performed for breast cancer screening revealed a gross calcified lesion in the right breast which was classified as category 2, and she was referred to our department for further examination. Clinical examination at our department by palpation revealed a hard, mobile mass measuring 2 cm in diameter in the C region of the right breast. Breast ultrasonography revealed a 1-cm and 1.6-cm hypoechoic mass with an internal calcified lesion. Core needle biopsy revealed the diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. We performed video-assisted right partial mastectomy with dissection of the right axillary lymph nodes. [Discussion] Large calcified lesions detected on breast MMG are generally considered as being benign. From the MMG image findings in this case, with the calcified lesion categorized as Category 2, which is generally managed by follow-up observation, it was difficult to suspect malignancy. [Conclusion] We encountered a case of breast cancer that was initially difficult to diagnose because of the presence of gross calcification on the MMG.
