Jennifer Ann Harvey MD, Presenter: Researcher, General Electric Company Researcher, Wyeth Researcher, NV Organon

Brandi Tamara Nicholson MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alexander Patrick LoRusso MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Arthur Cohen MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Viktor Bovbjerg PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate breast cancer incidence of palpable solid lesions with benign morphology by mammographic and/or ultrasound criteria

Between July 1997 to December 2003, 444 women with 519 palpable lesions with benign features were evaluated with short-term follow up imaging. All women underwent focused clinical breast examination (CBE) by a radiologist. Short-term follow up was not considered when CBE was suspicious (hard or poorly defined mass). Lesions were evaluated by mammography alone (n=3), ultrasound alone (n=249), or both (n=231). Criteria for benign features were based on previously described mammographic or sonographic features.

Mean age was 37.5 years. 45 lesions were excluded due to no follow up (n=17), only clinical follow up (n=18), or imaging follow up less than 6 months (n=10). The remaining 474 lesions underwent imaging follow up or biopsy and included 12 focal asymmetries, 454 masses, and 8 other findings. Lesions were visualized by mammography alone (n=18), ultrasound alone (n=327), or both (n=129). No cancers were identified on follow up or intervention.121 lesions underwent intervention (26%); 92 due to patient preference, 25 due to increased size or suspicion at follow up, 4 due to other reasons. All interventions resulted in benign diagnoses. Two additional lesions increased in size at follow up imaging, with no intervention at our institution. 189 lesions (40%) decreased (n=74), resolved (n=102), or were characteristically benign (n=13) at follow up. The remaining 174 lesions (37%) underwent follow-up with no change at 6 - 12 months (n=46), 12-24 months (n=73), or > 24 months (n=45).

Short-term follow up of palpable solid lesions with benign features may be reasonable when CBE performed by a radiologist also suggests a benign etiology.

Short term follow up may be a reasonable alternative to biopsy of palpable breast lesions with benign mammographic or sonographic features when clinical breast exam also suggests a benign etiology.

Harvey, J, Nicholson, B, LoRusso, A, Cohen, M, Bovbjerg, V, Short-Term Follow Up of Palpable Breast Lesions: Evaluation of 519 Lesions in 444 Women.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4429865.html