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Incidental Breast Findings on Chest CT: Rates of Report and Follow-Up
Jessica Hui1, Fabiana Chacur Policeni1, Rodrigo Moreira Bello1
1Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, 52242, Iowa, USA, uihealthcare.org.
Radiology Research and Practice
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Incidental breast findings on chest CTs are common and mostly benign. Standardized reporting and follow-up protocols are crucial for managing potential malignant lesions found during these scans.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Chest computed tomography (CT) scans can incidentally reveal breast findings.
- Understanding the incidence and nature of these incidental findings is important for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and types of incidental breast findings on chest CTs.
- To assess follow-up imaging rates and breast cancer screening for these findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of chest CTs over a 2-year period.
- Identification of incidental breast findings in patients aged 40 and above.
- Analysis of follow-up imaging recommendations and completion rates.
Main Results:
- Incidental breast findings occurred in 14.3% of eligible women.
- Dedicated breast imaging was performed in 21 of 54 recommended cases.
- 82% of workups showed benign findings; 4 cases were malignant.
- Follow-up imaging completion was higher with definitive reporting language (40%) vs. optional (0%).
Conclusions:
- Incidental breast findings on chest CTs are frequent but predominantly benign.
- Standardized reporting and follow-up protocols are essential for managing potential malignancies.
- Further research is needed to standardize chest CT use for incidental breast lesion assessment.
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