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Galactoceles mimicking suspicious solid masses on sonography.
Min Jung Kim1, Eun-Kyung Kim, Sun Young Park
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ekkim@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Summary
Galactoceles can mimic suspicious breast masses on ultrasound, but characteristic features like an echogenic rim can aid in differentiation. Recognizing these specific sonographic findings helps distinguish galactoceles from solid lesions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Breast Imaging
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
Background:
- Galactoceles can present sonographically mimicking suspicious solid breast masses.
- Accurate differentiation is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sonographic appearance of galactoceles.
- To differentiate galactoceles from suspicious solid breast masses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 33 galactoceles (BI-RADS category 4) from September 2002 to February 2004.
- All lesions confirmed by sonographically guided core biopsies.
- Analysis of sonographic imaging and clinical findings.
Main Results:
- Lesions often round/irregular (78.8%), noncircumscribed margins (93.9%), nonparallel orientation (66%), and posterior shadowing (39.4%).
- Internal hypoechogenicity or mixed echogenicity observed in 75.8%.
- A relatively sharp convex echogenic rim on anterior/posterior wall present in 87.9%.
Conclusions:
- Galactoceles exhibit diverse sonographic findings, many overlapping with suspicious solid masses.
- Tendency for galactocele appearance: small, round, hypoechoic nodule with indistinct margins and mild posterior shadowing.
- Presence of a partial anterior or posterior echogenic rim is a helpful distinguishing feature.