Advanced Radiology now provides reporting for Breast Arterial Calcifications (BAC), a finding that may provide valuable insight into cardiovascular health during a routine mammogram.
Advanced Radiology now provides reporting for Breast Arterial Calcifications (BAC), a finding that may provide valuable insight into cardiovascular health during a routine mammogram.
Did you know your mammogram can provide information beyond your breast health? When reviewing a mammogram, our radiologists identify and report Breast Arterial Calcifications (BAC)—calcium deposits that can form in the walls of arteries within the breast.
While Breast Arterial Calcifications are not an indication of breast cancer or breast disease, research has shown an association between BAC and cardiovascular disease. Their presence, along with other risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, family history and lifestyle, may provide an opportunity to have a more informed conversation about your heart health with your healthcare provider.
What Are Breast Arterial Calcifications?
Breast Arterial Calcifications are calcium deposits that form within the walls of blood vessels in the breast. They can be visible on a mammogram and are more commonly seen as women age.
If Breast Arterial Calcifications are noted on your mammogram and included in your results letter, this does not mean you have breast cancer or that you are at increased risk for breast cancer. Rather, the finding may be associated with cardiovascular health.
What Does a BAC Finding Mean for You?
If Breast Arterial Calcifications are identified on your mammogram, we encourage you to discuss the finding with your healthcare provider. Your provider can consider your individual health history and other cardiovascular risk factors to determine whether any additional evaluation or follow-up is appropriate.
Advanced Radiology believes that providing patients with meaningful information identified during their imaging exams can help them take a more informed and proactive approach to their overall health.
Learn More About Breast Arterial Calcifications
Have questions about Breast Arterial Calcifications, what they look like on a mammogram, or what a BAC finding means for your health? Explore our Breast Arterial Calcification FAQs to learn more.
Remember: A finding of Breast Arterial Calcifications is not a diagnosis of breast cancer. If BAC is noted on your mammogram, talk with your healthcare provider about what the finding means for you and whether any additional follow-up is recommended.