Tubular Adenoma of the Breast: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Breast tubular adenomas (TAs) are rare, benign glandular epithelial tumors that arise from a proliferation of acini in the terminal duct lobular units. In the literature, 40 TA cases have previously been reported, and we describe 5 additional cases in this article. In the small number of reported cases, TAs present most often in women of reproductive age but may also occur in postmenopausal women. Mammographically and sonographically, TAs are almost indistinguishable from fibroadenomas (FAs), and they typically present on US as hypoechoic, oval, circumscribed, parallel masses with variable internal vascularity. TAs can also be seen on mammography as oval masses with microlobulated margins, or as grouped coarse, heterogeneous microcalcifications with or without associated mass or asymmetry. On MRI, TAs present as heterogeneously enhancing, T2-hyperintense oval masses with persistent kinetics. Histopathologically, TAs consist of closely packed round tubules with minimal stroma, in distinction to FAs, which have a prominent stromal component that surrounds and can distort the associated tubules. Because of their benign classification and excellent prognosis, patients with biopsy-confirmed TAs may resume routine screening. Complete surgical excision may be considered for cosmetic purposes or for TAs exhibiting associated suspicious calcifications or rapid growth.