MAMMOGRAPHIC MICROCALCIFICATION MAY SERVE AS AN ADJUNCTIVE IMAGING CLUE TO HER2-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER, WARRANTING RADIOLOGIC–PATHOLOGIC CORRELATION AND CONFIRMATION OF HER2 STATUS.
Authors: Professor Dr Sharmin Akhtar Rupa, Dr. Sumaiya Akter Shimu
Institution: 1Department of Radiology and Imaging, Popular Medical College Hospital
Introduction
HER2 status is an important biomarker for breast cancer classification, prognosis, and selection of HER2-directed therapy. An imaging feature associated with HER2-positive disease may provide a useful adjunct for radiologic–pathologic correlation, particularly in resource-limited settings. To evaluate the association between mammographic microcalcifications and HER2 positivity in breast cancer and assess their potential as an adjunctive imaging clue.
Methods
: This retrospective observational study included 84 histologically proven breast malignancies with available mammographic and immunohistochemical receptor data. Mammographic calcification status and distribution were recorded. Calcification status and distribution were recorded. Definitive HER2-positive and HER2-negative cases were compared using Fisher’s exact test, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.
Results
Mammographic calcifications were identified in 39/119 (32.8%) cases. HER2 positivity was observed in 24/39 (61.5%) lesions with calcifications versus 11/79 (13.9%) without calcifications. Calcifications were significantly associated with HER2 positivity (OR 9.89, 95% CI 4.00–24.49; p < 0.001). Overall, 24/35 (68.6%) HER2-positive cancers demonstrated calcifications. Clustered calcifications were the most frequent pattern (71.8%), followed by branching (15.4%) and segmental (12.8%) patterns.
Conclusion
Mammographic microcalcifications were significantly associated with HER2 positivity and may serve as an adjunctive imaging clue, supporting radiologic–pathologic correlation and confirmation of HER2 status. Larger studies are needed to validate this association and assess the predictive value of specific calcification patterns.