Systemic diseases affecting the breast: Imaging, diagnosis, and management

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Systemic diseases, both benign and malignant, can present in the breast.
• Breast lesions from systemic conditions may mimic primary breast cancer on imaging.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical, imaging, and pathologic features of systemic diseases affecting the breast.
• To guide radiologists in differentiating these conditions from primary breast cancer.
• To discuss management strategies for systemic breast manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of systemic diseases with breast involvement.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and imaging findings.
• Correlation of imaging features with pathologic diagnoses and management.

Main Results:

• Identified diverse clinical and imaging characteristics of systemic breast diseases.
• Highlighted specific findings that can be pathognomonic.
• Emphasized the non-specific nature of some findings requiring biopsy.
• Outlined management approaches for various conditions.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with systemic disease manifestations in the breast is essential for radiologists.
• Distinguishing these from primary breast cancer improves patient care and reduces interventions.
• Multidisciplinary approach integrating clinical, imaging, and pathologic data is key.