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Nonpalpable breast masses: radiologic predictability of malignancy.
G Hermann1, R J Keller, I S Schwartz
1Department of Radiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, City University of New York, New York.
Summary
Screening mammography detected nonpalpable breast masses. Indistinct contour and moderate-to-high density were common in malignant lesions, while low-density, distinct masses were benign.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Breast Imaging
Background:
- Screening mammography is crucial for early breast cancer detection.
- Nonpalpable breast lesions require accurate characterization to guide management.
- Distinguishing benign from malignant noncalcified masses remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the imaging characteristics of noncalcified breast masses detected by screening mammography.
- To determine the correlation between lesion features (contour, density, size) and malignancy.
- To improve the diagnostic accuracy of mammographic interpretation for nonpalpable breast lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 568 nonpalpable breast lesions from screening mammography.
- Biopsy-proven diagnosis for all evaluated lesions.
- Assessment of lesion characteristics: contour, radiographic density, and size.
Main Results:
- Of 242 noncalcified masses, 165 were benign and 77 malignant.
- Malignant lesions (90% infiltrating carcinomas) predominantly showed indistinct contours and moderate-to-high density (88%).
- Low-density, distinct masses were exclusively benign; 40% of benign lesions with indistinct contours had high density.
Conclusions:
- Mammographic features like contour and density are valuable indicators of malignancy in nonpalpable breast masses.
- Indistinct contour and moderate-to-high density suggest malignancy, whereas low-density, distinct masses indicate benignity.
- Lesion size did not correlate with malignancy in this cohort.