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Clustered Microcysts Detected on Breast US in Asymptomatic Women
Purpose:
To investigate the incidence, outcomes, and imaging characteristics of clustered microcysts detected on breast US in asymptomatic women, and suggest appropriate management guidelines.
Materials And Methods:
We identified and reviewed the lesions recorded as "clustered microcysts" on breast US performed in asymptomatic women between August 2014 and December 2019. The final diagnosis was based on pathology and imaging follow-up results for at least 12 months.
Results:
The incidence was 1.5% and 100 patients with 117 lesions were included. Among 117 lesions, 3 (2.6%), 2 (1.7%), and 112 (95.7%) were malignant, high-risk benign, and benign lesions, respectively. The malignant lesions included two cases of ductal carcinoma in situ and one invasive ductal carcinoma. Two of them were assessed as category 4, showing mammographic suspicious microcalcifications and internal vascularity on Doppler US. The remainder was a false negative case and showed echo pattern change on the 12-month follow-up US.
Conclusion:
The incidence of clustered microcysts on breast US in asymptomatic women was 1.5% and malignancy rate was 2.6% (3 of 117). Knowledge of outcomes and imaging features of benign and malignant clustered microcysts may be helpful for radiologists, thereby aiding categorization and management recommendations.
Insights
Clustered microcysts on breast ultrasound appear in 1.5% of asymptomatic women. While most are benign, a small percentage (2.6%) can be malignant, necessitating careful radiologist assessment.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Clustered microcysts on breast ultrasound are an imaging finding that requires careful evaluation.
- Understanding their incidence and malignancy potential in asymptomatic women is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, outcomes, and imaging features of clustered microcysts on breast ultrasound in asymptomatic women.
- To propose management guidelines for these findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of breast ultrasounds showing "clustered microcysts" in asymptomatic women (August 2014 - December 2019).
- Final diagnosis based on pathology and at least 12 months of imaging follow-up.
Main Results:
- Incidence was 1.5% (117 lesions in 100 patients).
- Malignancy rate was 2.6% (3/117 lesions), including ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma.
- Malignant lesions sometimes showed suspicious imaging features like microcalcifications and internal vascularity; one false negative case demonstrated change on follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Clustered microcysts on breast ultrasound occur in 1.5% of asymptomatic women, with a 2.6% malignancy rate.
- Knowledge of imaging characteristics and outcomes aids radiologists in categorization and management recommendations.
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