Teacup calcification (breast)
Teacup calcifications, also known as the "teacup sign," are a specific radiologic sign indicative of benign breast conditions, particularly milk of calcium within cysts.[1] These calcifications exhibit a distinctive appearance on mammography, helping radiologists in distinguishing benign entities from malignant ones.
Radiological appearance
[edit]When horizontal x-ray beams, commonly used in lateral projections, are used to image the breast, the fluid inside the cysts, such as milk of calcium, is imaged tangentially.[2] This technique often produces linear or curvilinear patterns of calcification. In some cases, a semilunar shape may appear, which is why this sign is called "teacup sign."
Diagnosis
[edit]Teacup calcifications are typically benign and do not require follow up or sampling, per the American College of Radiology BI-RADS recommendation.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ Guth, Taylor A.; Bhatt, Asha A. (1 December 2023). "The "teacup sign": Significance in breast imaging". Clinical Imaging. 104: 110009. doi:10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.110009. ISSN 0899-7071. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ Ho, Christopher P. (January 2018). "Milk of Calcium". Breast Imaging: 304–307. doi:10.1093/med/9780190270261.003.0035. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ "Breast Imaging Reporting & Data System". www.acr.org. Retrieved 2 December 2024.