Indurative mastopathy: a benign sclerosing lesion of breast with elastosis which may simulate carcinoma

Five cases of a benign sclerosing lesion of breast are described. The lesion is characterized by a stellate, indurated zone of sclerosis and elastosis in a region of benign ductal proliferation. Because of the stellate configuration and frequently retracted cut surface, the lesion may grossly resemble scirrhous carcinoma. Microscopically, there is often entrapment of benign but distorted ducts at the sclerotic margin, which may further cause confusion with cancer. Of special interest is the radiographic appearance, which may be indistinguishable from scirrhous carcinoma. The term "indurative mastopathy" is a descriptively valid designation for these lesions.