HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) CME Test (opens in a new window) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Samardar, P. Articles by Wilson, J. D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Samardar, P. Articles by Wilson, J. D. Related Collections Breast (Imaging and Interventional) Mammography Ultrasound

Focal Asymmetric Densities Seen at Mammography: US and Pathologic Correlation¹

¹ From the Departments of Radiology (P.S., E.S.d.P., J.D.W.) and Pathology (M.M.G.), Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. Presented as an education exhibit at the 2000 RSNA scientific assembly. Received March 22, 2001; revision requested May 18 and received September 21; accepted September 24. Address correspondence to P.S., 9641 Kingscroft Dr, Glen Allen, VA 23060 (e-mail: psamardar@yahoo.com).

The American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) defines four different types of asymmetric breast findings: asymmetric breast tissue, densities seen in one projection, architectural distortion, and focal asymmetric densities. These lesions are frequently encountered at screening and diagnostic mammography and are significant because they may indicate a neoplasm, especially if an associated palpable mass is present. Once these lesions are detected at standard mammography, supplementary breast imaging with additional mammographic views and ultrasonography (US) can be a key aspect of work-up. The role of US in this setting has not been clearly defined. However, a positive US finding such as a solid mass or an area of focal shadowing increases the level of suspicion for malignancy. A thorough knowledge of the patient’s clinical history, along with a fundamental understanding of the ACR BI-RADS lexicon and the role and limitations of supplementary breast imaging, will allow more accurate interpretation of these potentially perplexing soft-tissue findings.

© RSNA, 2002

Index Terms: Breast, 00.91, 00.92 • Breast, US, 00.1298 • Breast neoplasms, 00.32 • Breast neoplasms, radiography, 00.114, 00.115 • Breast neoplasms, US, 00.1298 • Breast radiography, 00.114, 00.115

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. H. Youk, E.-K. Kim, K. H. Ko, and M. J. Kim Asymmetric Mammographic Findings Based on the Fourth Edition of BI-RADS: Types, Evaluation, and Management RadioGraphics, January 1, 2009; 29(1): e33 - e. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. W. T. Leung and E. A. Sickles Developing Asymmetry Identified on Mammography: Correlation with Imaging Outcome and Pathologic Findings Am. J. Roentgenol., March 1, 2007; 188(3): 667 - 675. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]