Mammographic abnormalities of the skin and subcutaneous tissues

Primary attention is often directed toward examination of the breast parenchyma rather than the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Important radiographic changes should not be overlooked in this latter area because they may be the only sign of disease within the breast or draw attention to accompanying pathologic change in the underlying breast tissue. Three categories of abnormality are seen in the skin and subcutaneous tissue: (1) skin thickening, either diffuse or focal; (2) calcifications; and (3) subcutaneous masses. Examples of these are illustrated, and imaging strategies, including ultrasound and CT, are discussed.