The incidence and outcome of incidental breast lesions detected by computed tomography

In the UK, the majority of breast cancers are diagnosed through symptomatic breast clinics and the breast screening programmes. With increased use of computed tomography (CT) to assess various pathologies, breast lesions are picked up incidentally. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and outcomes of breast lesions detected incidentally on CT scans.

A retrospective study was conducted to assess the incidence and outcome of incidentally found breast lesions, which were detected on chest CT scans that were conducted for other pathologies during the period from February 2007 to October 2008.

A total of 432 chest CT scans were performed over 18 months. Thirty-three (7.63%) patients were found to have an incidental breast lesion. The mean age was 73 years (range, 50-86 years). Of these, 17 (52%) were benign, eight (24%) were primary breast cancer and the remaining eight (24%) had no definite pathology. The detection rate of breast cancer was 1.85%.

CT is emerging as an important contributor to the detection of occult breast lesions. Radiological awareness of incidental breast lesions is important so that appropriate referral to a specialised breast unit is made.