AB174. SOH22ABS204. The incidence and significance of incidental breast lesions identified on computed tomography in a tertiary referral centre: what the breast surgeon needs to know
Year: 2022
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Background: The increased use of computed tomography (CT) in clinical practice results in a plethora of “incidental” findings, including breast lesions. Despite not being the primary method for the evaluation of the breast thoracic CT incorporates the whole breast tissue. Inaccurately assessed lesions can result in missed malignancy therefore an understanding of the significance of these findings, in the absence of clinical suspicion, is important for clinical decision making. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the incidence and outcome of incidental breast lesions detected on CT scans conducted for unrelated pathologies during the period from 2016–June 2021 was performed. All reports containing the key word “breast” were included. All patients with known breast cancer undergoing CT for staging and surveillance were excluded. Clinical correlation and follow-up investigations, including histopathology, were reviewed from patients’ medical records. Results: Out of 3,866 screened CTs, 93 reports from 2016–2017 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Of these, 35 contained concerning incidental breast findings or clinical correlation/follow-up was suggested. Seventeen of these patients underwent mammographic investigation and 4 underwent ultrasound guided core needle biopsy. One malignant lesion was identified on histopathological analysis in a 63-year-old female (intraductal carcinoma, Grade 2), and 3 benign breast abnormalities (2 fibroadenoma, 1 myofibroblastoma). Conclusions: CT is increasingly becoming an important contributor to the detection of occult breast lesions. These lesions can include first presentation of primary malignancies, or benign breast lesions. Increased radiological awareness and prompt specialised breast unit follow up is important to improve diagnostic efficacy.
Source: Mesentery and Peritoneum
Authors: Markus Kostka, Shane Keogh, Aisling Fawaz, Jason Mahony, Gerard O’Donoghue
Institution: University Hospital Waterford
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4282016550