Ultrasound imaging features of radial scars of the breast

Radial scars of the breast are common benign lesions, which are often radiologically occult. When they are detected by imaging, they are most often found by mammography. Radial scars are usually impalpable and have traditionally been localized for core biopsy and hookwire placement preoperatively by mammographic guidance. Stereotactic biopsy and localization is often difficult. Ultrasound-guided core biopsies and hookwire placement have the potential to provide a more accurate needle placement. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of radial scars detectable by ultrasound and the feasibility of carrying out core biopsies and hookwire localization ultrasonographically. A retrospective review of the records of 7236 women was undertaken to determine those who had a histological diagnosis of radial scar. A total of 44 radial scars in 43 women were found, of which 40 had images that were available for analysis. Sixty-eight per cent of radial scars are visible on ultrasound, most commonly seen as hypoechoic areas/masses. Parenchymal distortion without a hypoechoic mass was seen in 22%. In 8%, the lesion was appreciably better visualized by ultrasound when compared with mammography. In one case, the lesion was detected on ultrasound and not detected by mammography. At least two-thirds of mammographically detected radial scars can be visualized on ultrasound. These should be submitted to preoperative core biopsy and hookwire localization under ultrasound control.