Very thorough knowledge of breast pathology is a sine qua non for interpretation of breast films ... progress in X-ray diagnosis could only be made by careful comparison of the film with the actual specimen. H.INGLEBY Multiplication of the same e"oneous diagnosis does not make that diagnosis co"ect. J.G.AzZOPARDI Paradoxically enough, our specialty considers the radiologist who mis takes a skin fibroma or the calcifications in a sponge kidney for a kid ney stone to lack basic knowledge, while the radiologist who imme diately calls for the surgeon because of a few white spots on a mammogram is thought to be acting according to the rules of medical practice. Misunderstandings and confusion with regard to breast pathology as well as the comfortable philosophy that superfluous biopsies are the price we have to pay for the early detection of carcinomas have in many places led to a loss of confidence in mammography. Yet this is a meth od with which carcinomas can be detected earlier than with any other imaging technique.

1 Historical Review, Critical Analysis of the Literature, Statement of Problem and Goals

2 Technical Prerequisites for the Evaluation of Breast Microcalcifications
2.1 Factors Influencing Visualization of Image Details
2.2 Image Optimization and Dose Reduction
2.3 Microfocal Spot Magnification Mammography
2.4 Future Developments
3 Pathogenesis, Pathophysiology, and Composition of Breast Calcifications
4 Calcifications Within the Lobular and Ductal System of the Breast
4.1 Normal Anatomy and Radiographic Anatomy
4.2 Pathology and Radiography of Calcifications of Lobular Origin
4.3 Pathology and Radiography of Calcifications of Intraductal Origin
5 Calcifications in Intra-and Pericanalicular Fibroadenomas
6 Calcifications Outside the Lobular and Ductal System of the Breast
6.1 Calcifications in Fat Necrosis of Varying Etiology
6.2 Malignant Mixed Tumors with Osseous Metaplasia
6.3 Calcified Arteries and Thrombi
6.4 Calcifications in Parasitic Diseases
6.5 Calcified Foreign Bodies
6.6 Calcified Sebaceous Glands
6.7 Scattered Calcifications and Ossifications of the Stroma, Subcutaneous Tissue, and Skin
6.8 Calcifications in the Axillary Lymph Nodes
6.9 Artifacts That Mimic Calcifications
7 Differential Diagnosis of Microcalcifications
7.1 Checklist
7.2 Questions and Answers
8 Clinically Occult, Mammographically Suspicious Microcalcification Clusters: Pre-, Intra-, and Postoperative Measures
8.1 Preoperative Localization
8.2 Intraoperative Specimen Radiography
8.3 Postoperative Study
References.