Triple-Negative or Close-to-Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Presenting as a Thick-Walled Cystic Lesion.

Clinical and pathologic characteristics of the invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) presenting as a thick-walled breast cyst are little known. Three female patients were included in this report. A palpable, nontender breast lump was found in all cases. While mammography showed a hyperdense mass, ultrasonography demonstrated a thick-walled cystic mass. Magnetic resonance imaging clearly showed the cystic breast lesions with ring-like or irregular rim enhancement. A grade III IDC was confirmed in all cases. All IDCs but one were estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, with merely weak progesterone receptor positivity (5%) in one case. All cases underwent surgical management first and postoperative chemotherapy. Breast malignancy presenting as a thick-walled cystic mass could be a highly aggressive IDC, even triple-negative breast cancer. It is imperative for breast cancer-related practitioners to identify the potentially malignant cystic lesions timely and adopt appropriate management.

The Use of Pneumocystography for Navigation of Stereotaxic Core-needle Biopsy in Complex Breast Cysts: Case Report.

Complex breast cysts (CBC) are characterized by a high (up to 31.0%) oncological potential and the need for a biopsy. In some clinical situations, navigating a biopsy using mammography (MG), ultrasound (US), endoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be difficult. The first case of stereotaxic core-needle biopsy (sCNB) under pneumocystography (PCG) guide is presented.

Cistos mamários: abordagem e tratamento homeopático. Relato de caso / Breast cysts: homeopathic approach and treatment. Case report

Relato de caso de paciente previamente diagnosticada com cistos mamários simples, em acompanhamento médico com especialista há mais de dois anos, sendo submetida a punções dolorosas devido aos macrocistos que surgem com as oscilações hormonais. Considerando que a homeopatia tem se destacado como uma abordagem que busca tratar não apenas a patologia e seus sintomas físicos, mas também o paciente em seu todo, foi proposto tratamento homeopático, com o objetivo terapêutico do alívio sintomático, controle dos cistos, além de evitar novas punções para esvaziamento do conteúdo líquido destes cistos. No período de 12 meses foi instituída medicação homeopática onde se obteve resultado satisfatório com o uso de Silícea após processo de repertorização. Observou-se através dos exames de imagem(utrassonografia) e exame físico que houve o controle do diâmetro dos cistos e melhora expressiva das dores e do desconforto nas mamas.

Case report of a patient previously diagnosed with simple breast cysts, in medical follow-up with a specialist for more than two years, being submitted to painful punctures due to macrocysts that arise normally with hormonal oscillations. whereas homeopathy has been highlighted as an approach that seeks to treat not only pathology and its physical symptoms, but also the patient as a whole, homeopathic treatment has been proposed, with the therapeutic aim of symptomatic relief, control of cysts, and avoid new punctures to empty the liquid content of these cysts. In the period of 11 months homeopathic medication was instituted where satisfactory results were obtained with the use of Silícea after repertorization process. It was observed through imaging tests (utrassonography) and physical examination that there was control of the diameter of the cysts and expressive improvement of pain and discomfort in the breasts.

Breast hydatid cyst presented as a fluctuant painless lump mimicking galactocele: A case report.

Hydatid disease is a zoonosis caused by the Echinococcus species. The liver and lungs are where it generally seen, with breast involvement being extremely uncommon. This is a case of a woman aged 28 years who presented with a progressive painless swelling on the left breast, which was fluctuant and nontender, detected on the upper outer quadrant. The cytologic evaluation yielded a crystal-clear fluidal aspirate composed of a few laminated metachromatic materials and the mass sonographically appeared as an anechoic cystic mass having a double-layered wall with posterior acoustic enhancement. A radical pericystectomy was performed after the preoperative diagnosis of breast hydatid cyst was entertained, and the diagnosis was later confirmed by histopathology. Although isolated breast hydatid cysts are uncommon, they can happen and may mimic other cystic and solid masses of the breast clinically. Thus, radiologic assessment with cytopathologic correlation is imperative for precise preoperative diagnosis and to minimize the risk of intraoperative complications.

Crystallising galactocele of the breast: a rare cytological diagnosis.

Galactocele of the breast is a benign condition characterised by milk containing cystic lesions, usually present during pregnancy and lactation. The diagnosis of galactocele is difficult due to physiological changes which occur during pregnancy and lactation. Fine needle aspiration cytology proves to be a simple and minimally invasive procedure in diagnosing and treating this condition. Very rarely, long-standing galactoceles can show crystal formation on aspirate smears, termed as crystallising galactocele. Herein, we present this rare case of crystallising galactocele in a 26-year-old lactating woman. We are reporting this case because of its rarity, as less than 10 cases have been reported so far.

Benign cyst of the male breast. An exceedingly rare entity that may pose a diagnostic dilemma. Management and literature review.

Cysts represent the most common cause of a breast mass in women. On the contrary, in men, the presence of a benign apocrine cyst is an exceedingly rare occurrence, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We describe herein a case of benign apocrine breast cyst without concurrent gynecomastia in a 41-year-old male. Diagnostic evaluation and management are discussed, along with a review of the literature. Given the extreme rarity of benign breast cysts in males, a thorough investigation is essential in male patients presenting with cystic breast lesions. Diagnostic breast imaging may be challenging. Surgical resection of the cyst should be considered in the presence of atypical imaging features to exclude underlying malignancy.

Visualization of the shear wave on gray-scale ultrasound: experience with a complex breast cyst.

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is the newer of the two methods of measuring tissue stiffness using ultrasound. We present the case of a 39-year-old patient with fibrocystic breast disease who presented with a left painful breast lump. The patient underwent a breast ultrasound that depicted a complicated cyst with a "pseudo-solid" content. When the SWE mode was turned on, the ultrasound share wave was observed on the gray-scale image, as surface undulations of the "pseudo-solid" component. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the share wave visualization on a gray-scale image. The impact on patient management is discussed.

Clustered Microcysts at Breast US: Outcomes and Updates for Appropriate Management Recommendations.

Background Clustered microcysts are common, especially in perimenopausal women, and are seen in up to 6% of US examinations. However, there are limited published data on appropriate assessment and management recommendations for clustered microcysts on breast US images. Purpose To determine outcomes of lesions identified as clustered microcysts on breast US images to help guide appropriate management recommendations. Materials and Methods Lesions classified as clustered microcysts at breast US were retrospectively identified in women at two hospitals (a large tertiary care academic hospital and a National Comprehensive Cancer Network-designated comprehensive cancer center) within one metropolitan health system from 2005 through 2015. If US-guided tissue sampling was performed, results were obtained from the pathology or cytology reports. If sampling was not performed, only lesions with at least 24 months of imaging follow-up or any imaging follow-up with interval resolution or decrease in size were included in the study. Data were evaluated using standard statistics, Fisher exact tests, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Results A total of 189 women (median age, 52 years [interquartile range, 46-59 years]) with 196 lesions classified as clustered microcysts on US images were included in this study. During the surveillance period of at least 24 months and at tissue diagnosis, malignancy was not found in any of the 196 lesions (0%) (95% confidence interval: 0.0%, 1.9%). A total of 158 of 196 (80%) lesions were followed with imaging, and 38 of 196 (20%) lesions underwent percutaneous sampling. During the follow-up period, 28 of 158 (18%) lesions spontaneously resolved, 13 of 158 (8%) decreased in size, and one of 158 lesions (0.6%) increased at 18-month follow-up but then became stable. One hundred sixteen of 158 lesions (73%) demonstrated no change at follow-up imaging, 38 of 196 (19%) lesions underwent percutaneous sampling, and 38 of 38 (100%) revealed benign results. Conclusion No malignancies were identified in this series. These results further support the existing literature that lesions characterized as clustered microcysts demonstrate a very low risk of malignancy and can be classified as benign. Biopsy may be safely avoided. © RSNA, 2020 See also the editorial by Berg in this issue.

SVM-Enabled Intelligent Genetic Algorithmic Model for Realizing Efficient Universal Feature Selection in Breast Cyst Image Acquired via Ultrasound Sensing Systems.

In recent years, there are several cost-effective intelligent sensing systems such as ultrasound imaging systems for visualizing the internal body structures of the body. Further, such intelligent sensing systems such as ultrasound systems have been deployed by medical doctors around the globe for efficient detection of several diseases and disorders in the human body. Even though the ultrasound sensing system is a useful tool for obtaining the imagery of various body parts, there is always a possibility of inconsistencies in these images due to the variation in the settings of the system parameters. Therefore, in order to overcome such issues, this research devises an SVM-enabled intelligent genetic algorithmic model for choosing the universal features with four distinct settings of the parameters. Subsequently, the distinguishing characteristics of these features are assessed utilizing the Sorensen-Dice coefficient, T-test, and Pearson's R measure. It is apparent from the results of the SVM-enabled intelligent genetic algorithmic model that this approach aids in the effectual selection of universal features for the breast cyst images. In addition, this approach also accomplishes superior accuracy in the classification of the ultrasound image for four distinct settings of the parameters.

Ultrasound Findings in Three Complex Cystic Breast Carcinomas: Correlation with Intrinsic Tumor Subtype.

In ultrasound examinations, mixed mammary gland masses are divided into either intracystic masses that contain a solid component in the cyst or solid masses that contain a fluid component in the mass. The histological types and subtypes of three complex cystic masses that showed different internal compositions in ultrasound were determined using the ultrasound findings of three patients. Case 1: The mass showed a large cystic component (bleeding) inside and a broad-based solid lesion at the margin in the ultrasound finding. The histological type was encapsulated papillary carcinoma and the subtype was luminal A. Case 2: The mass was lobulated with a small cystic component at the margin. The histological type was solid papillary carcinoma and the subtype was luminal A. Case 3: The mass was lobulated with a circumscribed margin. Cystic components suspected of being hemorrhagic necrosis were observed at the margin and within the solid component. The histological type was squamous cell carcinoma and the subtype was triple negative. Case 2 was a solid mass in appearance, but a cystic component noted at the margin was possibly an intracystic mass. For Case 3, findings suggestive of necrosis were observed both at the margin and in the solid component and this suggested a mass with fluid degeneration. Complex cystic masses are usually examined with a focus on the solid component seen on ultrasound images; however, it is also important to observe the cystic composition. This can help determine the subtypes in addition to the histological types.

Cholesteroloma of the breast: A 10 year retrospective review of 79 cases with radiology correlation.

A cholesteroloma or cholesterol granuloma of the breast is an uncommon lesion representing an inflammatory/reactive process with unclear etiology. In this study, we reviewed our 10-year experience with cholesteroloma of the breast with clinical, radiologic, and histopathological correlation. Seventy-nine cases were selected. The mean patient age was 57.7 (range 25-90) years old. Patients had hypercholesterolemia with mean blood cholesterol level of 201 mg/dL (P < 0.001). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.7 kg/m2 (P = 0.1976). The indications for the breast biopsies were mass lesion on radiology (85.5%, n = 65) and microcalcifications (10.5%, n = 8). Of the 65 cases of the mass lesions, 52 presented as solid masses and 13 were cystic. On the diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound, 81.9% were BI-RADS 4% and 6.9% were BI-RADS 5. Macrocysts were the most common pathological finding associated with cholesteroloma suggesting the etiology of cholesteroloma may be the result of repair process from obstruction and rupture of the macrocysts. Six cases (9.2%) of cholesterolomas had persistent masses during follow-up. The recognition of this lesion and radio-pathological correlation can help us better understand this entity and distinguish it from its mimickers.

Breast Cyst Fluid Analysis Correlations with Speed of Sound Using Transmission Ultrasound.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work is to determine if the speed of sound value of a breast cyst can aid in the clinical management of breast masses. Breast macrocysts are defined as fluid-filled tissue masses >1 cm in diameter and are thought to be aberrations of normal development and involution, often associated with apocrine metaplasia. The benign natural history of breast cysts is well known, and it is important to obtain high specificity in breast imaging to avoid unnecessary biopsies in women who have benign diseases, particularly those with dense breast tissue. Transmission ultrasound is a tomographic imaging modality that generates high-resolution, 3D speed of sound maps that could be used to identify breast tissue types and act as a biomarker to differentiate lesions. We performed this study to investigate the microanatomy of macrocysts observed using transmission ultrasound, as well as assess the relationship of speed of sound to the physical and biochemical parameters of cyst fluids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cyst fluid samples were obtained from 37 patients as part of a case-collection study for ultrasound imaging of the breast. The speed of sound of each sample was measured using a quantitative transmission ultrasound scanner in vivo. Electrolytes, protein, cholesterol, viscosity, and specific gravity were also measured (in the aspirated cyst fluid) to assess their relationship to the speed of sound values obtained during breast imaging. RESULTS: We found positive correlations between viscosity and cholesterol (r = 0.71) and viscosity and total protein × cholesterol (r = 0.78). Additionally, we performed direct cell counts on cyst fluids and confirmed a positive correlation of number of cells with speed of sound (r = 0.74). The speed of sound of breast macrocysts, as observed using transmission ultrasound, correlated with the cytological features of intracystic cell clumps. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our work with speed as a classifier, we propose a spectrum of breast macrocysts from fluid-filled to highly cellular. Our results suggest high-speed cysts are mature macrocysts with high cell counts and many cellular clumps that correlate with cyst microanatomy as seen by transmission ultrasound. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to assess the clinical value of speed of sound measurements in breast imaging using transmission ultrasound.

Recurrent complications of PAAG implants during lactation.

A 35-year-old lactating woman with pre-existing polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) implants for 10 years presented on numerous occasions following both her pregnancies with bilateral recurrent breast infection, pain and finally massive breast enlargement with a ruptured galactocoele necessitating surgical intervention. As the safety of PAAG for the breastfeeding baby is not known, breastfeeding with PAAG implants is not recommended.

[The value of ultrasound classification in BI-RADS category 4 of breast complex cystic masses].

Objective: To analyze the feature of breast complex cystic masses and to classify it at ultrasonography (US), which applied to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories 4a to 4c with pathological results as the golden standards. Methods: The ultrasonographic data and clinical features of 78 patients with complex cystic masses confirmed by pathology in Cancer Hospital from July 2014 to June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The complex cystic breast masses were divided into four classes on the basis of their US features: type 1 [thick wall and (or) thick septa (> 0.5 mm)], type 2 (one or more intra-cystic masses), type 3 (mixed cystic and solid components with cystic components more than 50%) and type 4 (mixed cystic and solid components with solid components more than 50%). Positive values (PPVs) were calculated for each type. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the ultrasonographic features of the masses (lesion size, margins, blood flow resistance index, calcification, and axillary lymph nodes, etc.) with malignant correlation. Results: There were 81 lesions in 78 patients. Among the 81 masses based on US appearance, 14 (17.3%) were classified as type Ⅰ, 18 (22.2%) as type Ⅱ, 18 (22.2%) as type Ⅲ, and 31 (38.3%) as type Ⅳ. The positive predictive values of the malignant lesions of type Ⅰ, type Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were 7.1%, 16.7%, 61.1% and 48.3%, respectively (P=0.040). In all the 81 masses, 14 were BI-RADS categories 4a, 18 were BI-RADS categories 4b and 49 were BI-RADS categories 4c. Masses with maximum diameter equal to or larger than 2.0 cm, unclear margins, RI≥0.7 and presence of abnormal axillary nodes assessment had a high probability of malignancy (P=0.030, 0.038, <0.001 and 0.025, respectively). Conclusion: Ultrasound typing is helpful for differentiating benign and malignant breast complex cysts and classifying BI-AIDS 4a to 4c, thus providing clearer treatment for clinical practice.

Utilidad del artefacto Doppler de centelleo de color (twinkle) en la detección ecográfica de microcalcificaciones mamarias / Usefulness of the twinkling artifact on Doppler ultrasound for the detection of breast microcalcifications

Objetivo: Verificar si el artefacto de twinkle (AT) se corresponde con la presencia de microcalcificaciones previamente vistas mediante mamografía, y valorar su utilidad en el manejo ecográfico de microcalcificaciones sospechosas. Material y métodos: Hemos examinado prospectivamente mediante ecografía a 46 pacientes consecutivas con grupos de microcalcificaciones sospechosos de malignidad, sin otros hallazgos mamográficos de sospecha, buscando la presencia del AT para identificar las microcalcificaciones. Cuando lo conseguimos, procedimos a biopsiarlas con aguja gruesa (BAG) 11G, y posteriormente comprobamos la presencia de las microcalcificaciones mediante radiografía de las muestras obtenidas. Analizamos el porcentaje de detección y obtención de microcalcificaciones con la BAG, usando esta técnica, así como la concordancia radiopatológica. Las microcalcificaciones no detectadas con ecografía, o no concordantes, fueron biopsiadas mediante estereotaxia en otro centro. También utilizamos guía ecográfica para el marcaje preoperatorio con arpones, orientándolos habitualmente de forma radial. Resultados: Se identificaron y biopsiaron con ecografía 41 de las 46 lesiones, incluyendo 24 de los 25 carcinomas (17 de ellos in situ). La ecografía en modo B bastó para biopsiar las microcalcificaciones en 14 pacientes, aunque en 6 de ellas el AT incrementó el número de microcalcificaciones detectadas, lo que permitió un marcaje preoperatorio más preciso. Gracias al AT identificamos 27 grupos adicionales (89% vs. 30%; p < 0,05). Todas las piezas quirúrgicas mostraron bordes libres. Conclusiones: El AT es una herramienta útil para la identificación ecográfica de microcalcificaciones, lo que permite un significativo incremento de las biopsias guiadas por ecografía, así como una mejor delimitación preoperatoria

Objective: To determine whether the twinkling artifact on Doppler ultrasound imaging corresponds to microcalcifications previously seen on mammograms and to evaluate the usefulness of this finding in the ultrasound management of suspicious microcalcifications. Material and methods: We used ultrasonography to prospectively examine 46 consecutive patients with groups of microcalcifications suspicious for malignancy identified at mammography, searching for the presence of the twinkling artifact to identify the microcalcifications. Once we identified the microcalcifications, we obtained core-needle biopsy specimens with 11G needles and then used X-rays to check the specimens for the presence of microcalcifications. We analyzed the percentage of detection and obtainment of microcalcifications by core-needle biopsy with this technique and the radiopathologic correlation. Microcalcifications that were not detected by ultrasound or discordant lesions were biopsied by stereotaxy at another center. We also used ultrasound guidance for preoperative marking with clips, usually orienting them radially. Results: We identified and biopsied 41 of the 46 lesions under ultrasound guidance, including 24 of 25 carcinomas (17 in situ). B-mode ultrasound was sufficient for biopsying the microcalcifications in 14 patients, although the presence of the twinkling artifact increased the number of microcalcifications detected and thus enabled more accurate preoperative marking. Thanks to the twinkling sign, we were able to identify 27 additional groups of microcalcifications (89% vs. 30%; p < 0.05). All the surgical specimens had margins free of disease. Conclusions: The twinkling artifact is useful for microcalcifications in ultrasound examinations, enabling a significant increase in the yield of ultrasound-guided biopsies and better preoperative marking of groups of microcalcifications

Galactocele, Pitfall for the Evaluation by 18F-FDG PET/CT.

A high F-FDG uptake was found in mammary lesions in a 36-year-old woman who underwent a PET/CT scan for initial staging of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient has given birth 2 months ago and was breastfeeding. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of 1 lesion yielded creamy liquid consistent with milk and confirmed the diagnosis of galactocele.

Virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification: value in malignancy prediction for complex cystic and solid breast lesions.

This study was aimed to evaluatethe usefulness of conventional ultrasound (US) and US elastography, including the latest virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification (VTIQ), in malignancy prediction for complex cystic and solid breast lesions. Eighty-nine complex cystic and solid breast lesions were subject to conventional US and US elastography, including strain elastography (SE), virtual touch tissue imaging (VTI) and VTIQ. Among the 89 lesions, thirty-four (38.2%) lesions were malignant and 55 (61.8%) lesions were benign. Sixteen variables were subject to multivariate logistic regression analysis. Pattern 4b in VTI (odds ratio, OR:15.278), not circumscribed margin of lesion (OR:12.346), SWS mean >4.6 m/s in VTIQ (OR:11.896), and age elder than 50 years (OR:6.303) were identified to be independent predictors for malignancy. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, associated areas under the ROC curve (Az) for conventional US could be significantly elevated, from 0.649 to 0.918, by combining with US elastography (p < 0.0001). The combined diagnostic method was able to improve the specificity (32.7% vs. 87.3%, p < 0.0001) without sacrificing the sensitivity (97.1% vs. 85.3%, p = 0.075). Both conventional US and US elastography contribute substantially to malignancy prediction in complex cystic and solid lesions. The diagnostic efficacy of conventional US in terms of Az and specificity could be significantly improved by combining with US elastography.