Mammographic abnormalities and the detection of carcinoma of the breast.

Abstract

In an attempt to reduce the number of unnecessary breast biopsies, the yield rate of cancer relative to specific types of mammographically detected abnormality was investigated. Between 1989 and 1991, 169 patients with an abnormality as detected by mammogram but with no palpable mass were reviewed. Abnormalities detected by mammogram were divided into four types. The rate of biopsy-confirmed cancer per type of abnormality was calculated. The incidence of cancer per type of mammographically detected abnormality was as follows: mass 11%, mass with abnormal calcification 21%, abnormal calcification 22%, and asymmetric density 2%. Biopsy is recommended for mammographically detected abnormalities of a mass, a mass with abnormal calcification, and abnormal calcification without mass. Consideration should be given to deferring biopsy in favor of a follow-up study for asymmetric densities.