Incidental Breast Cancer on Chest CT: Is the Radiology Report Enough?

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Incidental breast findings on chest CT scans are common.
• Follow-up imaging is recommended for these findings to ensure timely diagnosis.
• Patient adherence to follow-up recommendations can be variable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of incidental breast findings on chest CT requiring follow-up.
• To assess patient adherence to breast imaging follow-up recommendations.
• To determine the rate of breast malignancy in patients with incidental findings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of chest CT reports (July 2018-June 2019).
• Identification of reports recommending breast imaging follow-up.
• Evaluation of patient adherence, BI-RADS assessment, and diagnosis.

Main Results:

• 210 patients had recommendations for breast imaging follow-up.
• Only 23% of patients adhered to follow-up recommendations.
• Breast cancer was diagnosed in 15% of those who followed up and 78% of those biopsied.

Conclusions:

• Follow-up imaging for incidental breast findings on chest CT is essential for timely diagnosis.
• Strategies to improve patient and provider outreach are needed to increase adherence.
• Early detection of unsuspected breast cancer can be enhanced through improved follow-up protocols.