Clustered Microcysts at Breast US: Outcomes and Updates for Appropriate Management Recommendations
Alyssa R Goldbach1, Catherine M Tuite1, Eric Ross1
1From the Division of Women's Imaging, Department of Radiology, Temple University Hospital, 3401 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (A.R.G.); and Division of Breast Radiology, Department of Radiology (C.M.T.) and Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pa (E.R.).
Radiology
|February 19, 2020
Summary
Clustered microcysts on breast ultrasound are common and have a very low risk of malignancy. These benign findings often resolve or remain stable, suggesting biopsies may be safely avoided.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Breast Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Clustered microcysts are frequently observed on breast ultrasound, particularly in perimenopausal women.
- Limited data exists on the optimal management of these common findings.
- This study addresses the need for evidence-based recommendations for clustered microcysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of lesions identified as clustered microcysts on breast ultrasound.
- To provide guidance for appropriate management strategies for clustered microcysts.
- To assess the malignancy risk associated with clustered microcysts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 196 clustered microcyst lesions in 189 women from 2005-2015.
- Inclusion criteria: at least 24 months imaging follow-up or interval resolution/decrease.
- Analysis included imaging follow-up and percutaneous tissue sampling results.
Main Results:
- No malignancies were detected in any of the 196 lesions (0%).
- Of 158 lesions with imaging follow-up, 18% resolved, 8% decreased, and 73% showed no change.
- All 38 lesions that underwent percutaneous sampling yielded benign results.
Conclusions:
- Lesions characterized as clustered microcysts exhibit a very low risk of malignancy.
- These findings support classifying clustered microcysts as benign.
- Biopsy avoidance may be a safe management strategy for these lesions.
