The incidence and outcome of incidental breast lesions detected by computed tomography

Abstract

INTRODUCTION In the UK, the majority of breast cancers are diagnosed through symptomatic breast clinics and the breast screening programmes. With increased use of computed tomography (CT) to assess various pathologies, breast lesions are picked up incidentally. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and outcomes of breast lesions detected incidentally on CT scans. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to assess the incidence and outcome of incidentally found breast lesions, which were detected on chest CT scans that were conducted for other pathologies during the period from February 2007 to October 2008. RESULTS A total of 432 chest CT scans were performed over 18 months. Thirty-three (7.63%) patients were found to have an incidental breast lesion. The mean age was 73 years (range, 50–86 years). Of these, 17 (52%) were benign, eight (24%) were primary breast cancer and the remaining eight (24%) had no definite pathology. The detection rate of breast cancer was 1.85%. CONCLUSIONS CT is emerging as an important contributor to the detection of occult breast lesions. Radiological awareness of incidental breast lesions is important so that appropriate referral to a specialised breast unit is made.

Incidentally Detected Enhancing Breast Lesions on Chest Computed Tomography

“…In these studies, 24-32% of incidental breast lesions were subsequently proven to be malignant (6-8). Our study showed a much higher rate (70%) of malignancy.…”

CXCL1 Derived from Mammary Fibroblasts Promotes Progression of Mammary Lesions to Invasive Carcinoma through CXCR2 Dependent Mechanisms

“…Improved imaging approaches combined with core needle biopsies have led to earlier detection of abnormal breast lesions in women over time, with most lesions diagnosed as non-cancerous [1–3]. Non-cancerous breast lesions are highly variable, and include non-proliferative diseases such as breast cysts, and proliferative diseases such as hyperplasia and intraductal papilloma [4, 5].…”

Evaluation of the Significance of Incidental Breast Lesions Detected by Chest CT

“…However, with the increasing use of MDCT for detection of other pathologies, new breast lesions are being increasingly detected incidentally during CT scans for diseases other than those of the breast (7,8). CT scans are not only sensitive for detection of small breast lesions within dense breasts but also allow for better visualization of some breast lesions adjacent to the chest wall (4,7,9). Usually, chest CT scans are reported by radiologists who do not specialize in breast imaging and pathology.…”

“…Several CT techniques have been used in assessment of breast lesions including contrast-enhanced CT scans, multi-detector techniques MDCT, and dual time positron emission tomography-computed tomography (7). For an accurate assessment of breast lesions, standardized terminology is required for descrip- This study has several limitations.…”

“…According to several reports, 24-32% of incidental breast lesions were subsequently proven to be malignant (3,7,8). Lin et al (4) reported that an irregular margin of incidental enhancing breast lesions can be suggestive of malignancy and a much higher rate (70%) of malignancy was demonstrated in lesions detected incidentally on CT scans.…”