Abstract
The anatomic and histologic characteristics of the nipple-areolar complex make this breast region special. The nipple-areolar complex can be affected by abnormal development and a wide spectrum of pathological conditions, many of which have unspecific clinical and radiological presentations that can present a challenge for radiologists. The nipple-areolar complex requires a specific imaging workup in which a multimodal approach is essential. Radiologists need to know the different imaging modalities used to study the nipple-areolar complex, as well as their advantages and limitations. It is essential to get acquainted with the acquisition technique for each modality and the spectrum of findings for the different conditions. This review describes and illustrates a combined clinical and radiological approach to evaluate the nipple-areolar complex, emphasizing the findings for the normal morphology, developmental abnormalities, and the most common benign and malignant diseases that can affect this region. We also present a diagnostic algorithm that enables a rapid, practical approach to diagnosing condition involving the nipple-areolar complex.
Highlights
The nipple-areolar complex is a region of the breast that has unique characteristics
A wide variety of abnormal conditions can affect the nipple-areolar complex, including developmental abnormalities, benign processes, and invasive and noninvasive cancers [2–5]. Many of these conditions have nonspecific clinical and radiological presentations that can delay diagnosis, so evaluating the nipple-areolar complex represents a challenge for radiologists
A detailed history and clinical examination are essential to guide the radiological management of the nipple-areolar complex
Summary
Appropriate techniques are essential to avoid pitfalls in the nipple-areolar complex. Diagnosis requires joint assessment of clinical and multimodality imaging findings. Inversion differs from retraction; both occur in benign and malignant conditions. Inflammatory/infectious conditions require ultrasound follow-up study in 4 to 6 weeks.
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