Breast imaging: malignant calcifications: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Breast imaging: malignant calcifications

Sample item

Which mammographic appearance of calcification is most suspicious for ductal carcinoma in situ?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Fine linear branching pleomorphic microcalcifications

Fine, linear, branching and pleomorphic microcalcifications indicate casting within the ducts of comedo-type DCIS. Popcorn calcification suggests an involuting fibroadenoma, eggshell calcification suggests fat necrosis or cysts, and rod-like calcifications suggest benign duct ectasia.

Option by option

  • A. Rim (eggshell) calcifications

    Eggshell calcifications indicate benign cysts or fat necrosis.

  • B. Large rod-like secretory calcifications

    Large rod-like calcifications are benign secretory disease.

  • C. Fine linear branching pleomorphic microcalcifications (correct)

    Correct. Fine linear branching microcalcifications are highly suspicious.

  • D. Large coarse 'popcorn' calcifications

    Popcorn calcifications indicate a degenerating fibroadenoma.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Fine linear branching pleomorphic microcalcifications. Fine, linear, branching and pleomorphic microcalcifications indicate casting within the ducts of comedo-type DCIS.

Why is "Rim (eggshell) calcifications" not the answer?

Eggshell calcifications indicate benign cysts or fat necrosis.

Why is "Large rod-like secretory calcifications" not the answer?

Large rod-like calcifications are benign secretory disease.

Why is "Large coarse 'popcorn' calcifications" not the answer?

Popcorn calcifications indicate a degenerating fibroadenoma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Breast imaging: malignant calcifications in Radiology. Popcorn calcification suggests an involuting fibroadenoma, eggshell calcification suggests fat necrosis or cysts, and rod-like calcifications suggest benign duct ectasia.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Breast imaging: malignant calcifications?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.