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Ultrasonography of breast hamartomas
J Black1, C Metcalf, E J Wylie
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia, Australia.
Australasian Radiology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Breast hamartomas detected via mammography often appear clearly on breast ultrasound. Sonographers should recognize varied appearances, as ultrasound may be unnecessary for typical mammographic findings.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Breast Imaging
Background:
- Hamartomas are benign breast tumors.
- Mammography is a common tool for detecting breast abnormalities.
- Breast ultrasound is frequently used for further characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate breast ultrasound findings in patients with mammographically detected hamartomas.
- To determine the utility of breast ultrasound in diagnosing breast hamartomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of nine women with mammographic abnormalities suggestive of hamartomas.
- Analysis of breast ultrasound images and reports for these patients.
Main Results:
- Two of nine mammographically detected hamartomas were not visualized on ultrasound.
- Six hamartomas appeared as well-circumscribed masses with heterogeneous echogenicity and no posterior acoustic shadowing.
- One lesion presented as a well-defined hypoechoic mass without posterior shadowing.
Conclusions:
- Breast ultrasound can identify many mammographically detected hamartomas.
- Sonographers must be aware of the diverse ultrasound appearances of hamartomas.
- Ultrasound may be redundant when mammographic findings are characteristic of a hamartoma.