Breast lesions in women under 25\u2009years: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Abstract

BackgroundThe majority of breast lesions in women under 25 years are being benign. Imaging is important for diagnosis and selecting patients for further procedures. Although malignancy is rare in this group of patients, suspected lesions must be biopsied. Imaging is very important in the selection of patients for radiological intervention. Understanding of the clinical, pathologic, and imaging features allows the radiologist to guide proper management of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of different breast lesions in symptomatic women under 25 years and the value of radiological imaging in the diagnosis.ResultsThis was a retrospective study; a total number of 250 cases with breast lumps under 25 years of age were registered in the PACKS of our institution in the period from January 01, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Two hundred three cases coped with our inclusion criteria that include available histopathological results either by biopsy or after surgery based on their referring physicians decision. Our exclusion criteria were those cases (47) with definite BIRADS 2 lesions with no available pathology reports. Ultrasonography was done to all patients (203 cases) and MRI was performed to 26 cases. All cases were histologically verified; their findings were reviewed and compared to radiological findings.A total of 203 symptomatic breast lesions were received at the radiological department in women under 25 years; there were 115 (56.7%) benign, 85 (41.9%) cystic, and 3 (1.5%) malignant lumps. The commonest benign lesion was fibroadenoma (104 cases, 51.2%) and all the malignant lesions were invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) (3 cases, 1.47%). The p value is > 0.05, so there were no differences between examination using the ultrasonography and the MRI imaging compared to histopathological results.ConclusionsMost breast lesions in young women are benign. Ultrasonography is an essential first imaging modality in the diagnosis of women under 25 years with breast lesions.