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Abnormal mammographic findings. A critical appraisal
American Journal of Surgery
|May 1, 1984
Summary
This review of mammograms found many indeterminate results. Some patients with suspicious mammograms but no palpable mass were monitored instead of biopsied, indicating a cautious approach to invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mammography is a key tool for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
- Interpreting mammograms can be challenging, leading to indeterminate or suspicious findings.
- Fibrocystic changes are common in breast tissue and can affect mammographic interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mammographic interpretations and breast biopsy outcomes over one year.
- To correlate mammographic findings with biopsy results.
- To evaluate the management of indeterminate mammograms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of mammographic interpretations and subsequent breast biopsies.
- Correlation of mammographic findings with histopathological results.
- Analysis of patient management based on mammographic findings and clinical presentation.
Main Results:
- Two-thirds of patients had fibrocystic mammary dysplasia reported, often with moderate to severe dysplasia.
- 16% of mammograms were indeterminate or suspicious; only 11% were normal.
- Of 19 biopsies for nonpalpable, suspicious mammograms, 2 invasive cancers and 1 lobular carcinoma in situ were found.
Conclusions:
- Mammographic interpretation at this center frequently indicated fibrocystic changes.
- A significant proportion of mammograms were indeterminate or suspicious.
- Management of indeterminate mammograms without palpable lesions or high-yield malignancy criteria often involved follow-up rather than immediate biopsy.