Approach to Nonmass Lesions on Breast Ultrasound

Nonmass lesions in breast ultrasound (US) are areas of altered echogenicity without definite margins or mass effect. However, these lesions may show calcifications, associated architectural distortion, or shadowing just like masses. They vary in their echogenicity, distribution, ductal or nonductal appearance and the associated features that can be seen in variety of benign and malignant pathologies. With no uniform definition or classification system, there is no standardized approach in further risk categorization and management strategies of these lesions. Malignant nonmass lesions are not uncommon and few sonographic features can help in differentiating benign and malignant pathologies. US-guided tissue sampling or lesion localization can be preferred in the nonmass lesions identified on second look US after magnetic resonance imaging or mammography. This article aims to describe various imaging patterns and attempts to provide an algorithmic approach to nonmass findings on breast US.