Which imaging modality is preferred for detecting calcifications in the breast?

• A. Mammography
• B. Ultrasound
• C. MRI
• D. CT

Answer: (A)

Detecting calcifications relies on imaging that can reveal tiny mineral deposits with high contrast against surrounding breast tissue. Mammography uses low-dose X-rays and compression to optimize visualization of these tiny calcium deposits, which appear as bright spots on the image. Because microcalcifications are a key early indicator of certain conditions, including ductal carcinoma in situ, mammography is specifically designed to detect them and is more sensitive for this purpose than other modalities. Ultrasound excels at evaluating masses and guiding biopsies but does not reliably show microcalcifications. MRI provides excellent soft-tissue contrast but is not sensitive to tiny calcifications and is not used primarily for their detection. CT is not used for routine breast imaging due to higher radiation and limited ability to resolve fine calcifications in breast tissue. So, the preferred imaging modality for detecting calcifications in the breast is mammography.