Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Breast: MR Imaging Findings

Objective

To analyze the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast.

Materials and Methods

MR images were retrospectively evaluated in 14 patients (age range: 37-67, mean age: 49 years) with pathologically confirmed invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast. The enhancement type (mass/non-mass), shape, margin, contrast enhancement, and time-intensity curve pattern on the dynamic study were correlated with the histopathologic features. Associated findings, such as edema, nipple change, skin change and enlarged axillary lymph nodes were also studied.

Results

The most common features of the masses were irregular shape (12 of 14 patients, 85.8%) and irregular or spiculated margin (11 of 14 patients, 78.7%). The contrast enhancement was heterogeneous in 11 patients (78.7%), rim enhancement in 2 cases (14.2%), and homogeneous in one patient (7.1%). The predominant kinetic pattern was rapid increase (14 of 14, 100%) in the initial phase and washout (11 of 14, 78.7%) in the delayed phase. Associated non-mass like enhancement was shown in 4 patients, representing ductal carcinoma in situ. MR imaging helped detect additional sites of cancer other than the index lesion in 3 patients (21.4%). Enlarged axillary lymphadenopathy was identified in 7 of the 14 patients (50%).

Conclusion

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma appears as a mass with an irregular shape, irregular or spiculated margin and heterogeneous enhancement on MR imaging. Though these findings are not specific and are also observed with other breast malignancies, invasive micropapillary carcinoma frequently showed multiple lesions, accompanying non-mass enhancement and axillary lymph node enlargement.     

Fluid-filled breast: A unique clinical presentation of invasive micropapillary carcinoma

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma is a rare variant of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. This variant has been described as clinically aggressive due to its high frequency of lymphovascular invasion, axillary nodal metastases, and a greater degree of loco-regional recurrence. Invasive micropapillary carcinoma can have a variety of imaging presentations, typically presenting as an irregular mass. This case report describes a unique presentation of invasive micropapillary carcinoma and illustrates the propensity of invasive micropapillary carcinoma to secrete fluid and have a lack of regional lymphadenopathy. The challenges of the accompanying diagnostic imaging-work up are discussed.     

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: clinical,mammographic, and sonographic findings with histopathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mammographic and sonographic findings of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast and to correlate the radiologic features with clinical and histopathologic findings. CONCLUSION: Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast often manifests as a rapidly growing, palpable mass that has high density on mammography and may be microlobulated on sonography. Complex echogenicity with solid and cystic components may be seen sonographically and is related to necrosis and cystic degeneration found histopathologically. Although it is a rare breast malignancy and these features are not unique, metaplastic carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for breast masses with these imaging features.     

Unusual breast cancers: useful clues to expanding the differential diagnosis

Invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ account for about 85% of breast cancers. Unusual breast neoplasms may be broadly divided into invasive lobular carcinoma, well-differentiated subtypes of invasive ductal carcinoma, cancers of stromal origin, and metastatic neoplasms. Clues are often present in imaging characteristics, patient demographics, and/or clinical features that may suggest that the finding is not the usual type of breast cancer. Some rare malignancies also provide specific clues to their diagnosis. This review provides an overview of unusual and a few rare malignant breast neoplasms, highlighting particular or specific clinical or imaging findings that will enable residents to expand their differential diagnosis of breast lesions beyond invasive ductal carcinoma.     

Correlation between ultrasound characteristics, mammographic findings and histological grade in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast

AIM: To investigate the relationship between ultrasound characteristics, mammographic findings and histological grade in cases of invasive ductal carcinoma which produce a mass on ultrasound. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the imaging findings in 120 patients diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast between January 1996 and December 1997. Imaging findings were correlated with the histological grade of tumour. RESULTS: High-grade tumours were significantly larger both on ultrasound and mammography (P < 0.016). A spiculated margin on mammogram was documented in 72% of low-grade tumours compared with only 24% of high-grade tumours (P = 0.001). Twenty-two per cent of low-grade tumours had a poorly defined margin on mammography compared with 66% of high-grade tumours (P = 0.001). At ultrasound, 16% of high-grade tumours (95% confidence limits 7-29%) had a well-defined margin. Acoustic enhancement was seen in 36% of high-grade tumours compared with only 9% of low and intermediate-grade tumours (P = 0.003): 22% of all tumours showed acoustic enhancement. Acoustic shadowing was seen in 71% of low-grade tumours compared with only 28% of high-grade tumours (P = 0.003). Malignant-type microcalcification was seen on mammogram in 6% of low-grade tumours compared with 31% of high-grade tumours (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The classical appearance of a malignant breast mass as a spiculated mass on mammogram associated with acoustic shadowing on ultrasound is more typical of a low-grade tumour. In comparison, high-grade tumours are more likely to demonstrate posterior acoustic enhancement, and a proportion has a well-defined margin on ultrasound. Therefore, high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma may paradoxically display similar imaging features to a benign breast mass.     

乳腺浸润性微乳头状癌的影像特征分析

目的探讨乳腺浸润性微乳头状癌（IMPC）的临床、影像及组织病理学特点。方法回顾性分析经病理证实的9例IMPC患者的影像学资料并与临床及病理结果进行对照;X线钼靶、超声及磁共振成像结果均参照美国放射学会超声乳腺影像报告和数据系统（BI-RADS）分级标准。结果钼靶摄影最常见的征象表现为边界不清的、不规则形高密度肿块影,其中3例可见肿块内的微钙化灶;超声多表现为不规则低回声肿块,边缘毛刺状,2例可见后方回声衰减;磁共振均表现为不规则形肿块影,增强扫描可见肿块内部不均匀强化,时间-信号强度曲线为廓清型或平台型。术后病理显示7例出现淋巴管侵袭,6例腋窝淋巴结肿大,1例锁骨上淋巴结肿大,免疫组织化学显示雌激素受体（ER）阳性8例。结论乳腺浸润性微乳头状癌常见淋巴管侵袭和区域淋巴结转移,其影像学表现具有典型的恶性肿瘤特征。     

Paget disease of the breast: mammographic, US, and MR imaging findings with pathologic correlation

Paget disease is a rare malignancy of the breast characterized by infiltration of the nipple epidermis by adenocarcinoma cells. The clinical features of Paget disease are characteristic and should increase the likelihood of the diagnosis being made. An important point is that more than 90% of cases of Paget disease are associated with an additional underlying breast malignancy. Paget disease is frequently associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the underlying lactiferous ducts of the nipple-areolar complex; it may even be associated with DCIS or invasive breast cancer elsewhere in the breast, at least 2 cm from the nipple-areolar complex. Nevertheless, mammographic findings may be negative in up to 50% of cases. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be useful in patients with Paget disease for evaluation of the nipple-areolar complex and identification of an additional underlying malignancy in the breast. The appropriate surgical treatment must be carefully selected and individualized on the basis of radiologic findings, especially those obtained with breast MR imaging.     

Systemic diseases affecting the breast: Imaging,diagnosis, and management

Various systemic diseases of benign or malignant etiologies can clinically manifest in the breast. Some imaging findings of breast lesions can be pathognomonic for a given condition, while others are non-specific, mimicking primary breast carcinoma and requiring tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis. In addition to obtaining a detailed clinical history, radiologists should be familiar with the diverse clinical and imaging characteristics of these conditions to help exclude primary breast cancer and avoid unnecessary interventions. This review aims to discuss the clinical presentations, imaging features, pathologic findings, and management of systemic conditions that may affect the breast.     

少见类型乳腺癌的影像、临床、病理及免疫组化分析

目的探讨少见类型乳腺癌影像、临床、病理及免疫组化主要特点,提高对其认识。方法回顾性分析经活检和/或手术病理证实的少见类型乳腺癌21例,观察并分析其X线、超声、相关临床、病理及免疫组化资料。结果 21例中乳头状癌4例,浸润性微乳头状癌5例,粘液癌8例,髓样癌4例。21例X线主要表现边缘模糊或浸润型肿块;超声主要表现均为不规则实性不均质低回声团,边缘欠清,病灶内及周围可见血流。总的中位发病年龄为48.7岁;淋巴结情况:乳头状癌(4/4例)及粘液癌(7/8例)未见淋巴结转移;浸润性微乳头状癌(4/5例)及髓样癌(4/4例)可见淋巴结转移。镜下病理:乳头状癌(4/4例)癌细胞形成中心见纤维血管束的乳头状结构;浸润性微乳头状癌(4/5例)癌细胞簇与间质之间形成间隙;粘液癌(8/8例)癌细胞漂浮于细胞外液粘液湖中;髓样癌(4/4例)癌细胞密集,间质纤维少,间质中淋巴细胞弥漫浸润。免疫组化:髓样癌3/4例为三阴性;乳头状癌(3/4例)、浸润性微乳头状癌(4/5例)及粘液癌(7/8例)为非三阴性;浸润性微乳头状癌(4/5例)肿瘤外侧细胞膜EMA染色阳性。结论少见类型乳腺癌各亚型间病理组织学及免疫组化具有一定特征性;浸润性微乳头状癌及髓样癌易发生淋巴结转移;但各型间影像学表现及发病年龄不具有特征性,术前影像确诊困难,主要依靠术后病理确诊。     

Tubulolobular carcinoma of the breast: clinical, mammographic and sonographic findings

PURPOSE: To determine and quantitate radiologic characteristics of tubulolobular carcinoma of the breast and to report clinical and pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of records of 2872 women who received a diagnosis of breast carcinoma between January 1988 and January 2006 revealed 26 histopathologically proven tubulolobular carcinoma of the breast. Analysis included history; findings at physical examination, mammography, and sonography (US) at the time of diagnosis and in postoperative follow-up, and histopathological results. RESULTS: At physical examination, palpable mass was present in 85% (n=22) of the patients. The mammographic findings were mass in 17 (65%), asymmetric focal density in 2 (8%), architectural distortion in 2 (8%) and negative mammograms in 5 (19%) of the 26 patients. US depicted 25 masses in 24 patients, all of which were hypoechoic, with spiculated (n=13) or microlobulated (n=12) margins. The cancer was clinically occult in 12% (n=3), mammographically occult in 19% (n=5), and radiologically occult in 4% (n=1) of the patients. Histologically, the mean size of the tumor was 1.7cm and 18 (69%) patients were node negative. CONCLUSION: Tubulolobular carcinoma of the breast usually manifests clinically as a firm, immobile mass and mammographically as a spiculated or ill-defined, irregular, isodense mass without microcalcifications. Common findings on sonography include a homogeneously hypoechoic, spiculated or microlobulated mass with posterior acoustic shadowing or normal acoustic transmission. Tubulolobular carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for breast masses with these imaging features.     

Gradually enhancing breast cancer on dynamic MRI

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency and the radiologic and pathologic features of gradually enhancing breast cancers on contrast enhanced dynamic MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 83 patients with pathologically proven breast cancer underwent contrast enhanced dynamic MRI. Breast cancers that showed a gradually enhancing pattern were selected, and their pathological features and the findings in other imaging modalities were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of 83 lesions, 8 lesions (10%) showed a gradually enhancing pattern on dynamic MRI. The lesions included 3 papillotubular carcinomas, 3 scirrhous carcinomas, one solid-tubular carcinoma, and one mucinous carcinoma. All of them had imaging features suggesting malignancy on mammography and ultrasonography. Histopathologically, all 7 invasive ductal carcinomas showed prominent fibrosis in the stroma, and one showed many dilated ducts. One mucinous carcinoma showed large mucinous pools. CONCLUSION: Some breast cancers may show a gradually enhancing pattern on dynamic MRI. Other imaging features should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of breast tumors.     

Imaging features of metaplastic carcinoma with chondroid differentiation of the breast

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the imaging features--including the mammographic, sonographic, MRI, and bone scintigraphic findings--in 12 patients with metaplastic carcinoma with chondroid differentiation of the breast and to correlate the imaging findings with the pathologic features. CONCLUSION: Metaplastic carcinoma with chondroid differentiation of the breast manifests as a palpable mass and should be included in the differential diagnosis of a large indistinct highdensity mass with amorphous or coarse calcifications on mammography and a relatively circumscribed complex echoic mass with posterior enhancement on sonography. A relatively circumscribed mass with a nonenhancing T2 intermediate- to high-signal-intensity internal component on MRI and an area of intense uptake of 99mTc methylene diphosphonate (MDP) on bone scintigraphy might be useful in suggesting the diagnosis of metaplastic carcinoma with chondroid differentiation.     

Invasive papillary carcinoma of the breast: mammographic appearance

The mammographic findings in 18 patients with invasive papillary carcinoma were studied retrospectively. The mammograms of 10 patients showed a multinodular pattern, and seven patients had solitary nodules. One patient had an irregular, ill-defined mass in the retroareolar region. Two patients were found to have carcinoma in the contralateral breast, and two patients had intraductal carcinoma adjacent to the invasive papillary carcinoma. The varied mammographic features that may occur with this rare breast malignancy are discussed.     

Breast imaging findings in women with BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast carcinoma

AIM: To document the breast imaging findings of women with BRCA1 and BRCA2-associated breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Family history clinic records identified 18 BRCA1 and 10 BRCA2 cases who collectively were diagnosed with 27 invasive breast carcinomas and four ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions. All underwent pre-operative imaging (29 mammogram and 22 ultrasound examinations). All invasive BRCA-associated breast carcinoma cases were compared with age-matched cases of sporadic breast carcinoma. RESULTS: Within the BRCA cases the age range was 26-62 years, mean 36 years. Two mammograms were normal and 27 (93%) abnormal. The most common mammographic features were defined mass (63%) and microcalcifications (37%). Thirty-four percent of women had a dense mammographic pattern, 59% mixed and 7% fatty. Ultrasound was performed in 22 patients and in 21 (95%) indicated a mass. This was classified as benign in 24%, indeterminate in 29% and malignant in 48%. Mammograms of BRCA1-associated carcinomas more frequently showed a defined mass compared with BRCA2-associated carcinomas, 72 versus 36% (73% control group) whilst mammograms of BRCA2-associated carcinomas more frequently showed microcalcification, 73 versus 12% (8% control group; p < 0.001). Thirty-six percent of the BRCA2-associated carcinomas were pure DCIS while none of the BRCA1 associated carcinomas were pure DCIS (p = 0.004). Of those patients undergoing regular mammographic screening, 100% of BRCA2-associated carcinomas were detected compared with 75% of BRCA1-associated carcinomas. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the imaging findings of BRCA1 and BRCA2-associated carcinomas differ from each other and from age-matched cases of sporadic breast carcinoma.     

Sonographic features of primary breast cancer in men

OBJECTIVE: The imaging studies of eight men with proven primary breast cancer and preoperative sonography and mammography were reviewed and correlated with final pathology reports. CONCLUSION: There were five cases of invasive breast carcinoma and three cases of ductal carcinoma in situ of the papillary subtype. All three cases of papillary ductal carcinoma in situ showed cystic features on sonography. Most (4/5) invasive cancers were solid on sonography. The appearance of a complex cystic mass in the male breast on sonography should suggest the possibility of malignancy and therefore warrants biopsy.     

乳腺硬化性腺病与浸润性导管癌的超声特征对比研究

目的 对照乳腺早期浸润性导管癌,比较研究乳腺硬化性腺病的超声表现特点.方法 研究组为我院病理确诊为乳腺硬化性腺病患者41例,对照参考组为病理确诊浸润性导管癌患者21例,对比分析两组患者的超声表现.结果 通过对两组患者的常规及超声影像特征比较,我们发现乳腺硬化性腺病与乳腺浸润性导管癌在Alder分级、腋窝淋巴结肿大及钙化灶表现方面有显著的统计学差异（P＜0.05）.结论 乳腺肿块建议二维超声与CDFI结合诊断,其中Alder分级及部分超声影像学指标在乳腺硬化性腺病与浸润性导管癌鉴别诊断中有一定价值.     

Paget's disease of the breast: clinical, mammographic, sonographic and pathologic findings in 52 cases

PURPOSE: To determine and quantitate radiologic characteristics of Paget's disease of the breast and to report clinical and pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of records of 2872 women who received a diagnosis of breast carcinoma between January 1988 and January 2006 revealed 52 histologically proved Paget's disease of the breast. Analysis included history, findings at physical examination, mammography and sonography (US) and histologic type of Paget's disease. RESULTS: At physical examination, palpable mass (n=33, 63%), nipple erythema-eczema-ulceration (n=17, 33%) and blood-stained nipple discharge (n=5, 10%) were noted. Among 17 patients who had clinically evident Paget's disease, the mammographic findings were isolated microcalcifications in 3 (18%), mass associated with microcalcifications in 5 (29%), mass in 2 (12%) and negative in 7 (41%) patients. In the 35 patients with clinically inevident Paget's disease, these mammographic findings were 43% (n=15), 34% (n=12), 20% (n=7) and 3% (n=1), respectively. US depicted 43 masses in 35 patients, all of which were lobulated or irregularly contoured, mostly (n=41, 95%) without posterior acoustic shadowing. The cancer was clinically occult in 10% (n=5), mammographically occult in 15% (n=8) and radiologically occult in 13% (n=7) of the 52 patients. Histologically, the tumor was multifocal and/or multicentric in 11 (21%) patients. CONCLUSION: The clinical features of Paget's disease are characteristic and should alert the clinician to the likelihood of an underlying carcinoma, which should be evaluated radiologically. However, as Paget's disease is primarily a clinical diagnosis and mammograms may be negative, screening programs without clinical examination may result with delay in diagnosis. As a result, both clinical and imaging findings are complementary and should be correlated to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of Paget's disease.     

伴乳头溢液乳腺癌的乳腺导管造影表现与病理对照研究

目的:分析伴有乳头溢液乳腺癌的乳腺导管造影表现,并分析其病理基础,以提高诊断水平。方法:临床表现有乳头溢液并经手术、病理证实的乳腺癌23例,回顾性分析其乳腺导管造影的影像表现,并与手术病理结果进行对比分析。结果:23例中原位癌8例,浸润性导管癌10例(包括单纯癌6例、乳头状癌4例),导管癌早期浸润3例,乳头状瘤病恶变2例。病理上诊断早期癌13例(56.5%),其中8例临床未触及乳腺肿块。乳腺导管造影主要表现:导管内充盈缺损并伴有不同程度的导管扩张12例;乳腺肿瘤侵蚀导管形成潭湖征5例;溢液导管受乳腺肿块推挤,导管变形3例;导管持续显影、管壁不规则伴广泛微钙化灶1例。本组中乳腺导管造影诊断乳腺癌的符合率为82.6%。结论:乳腺导管造影对伴有乳头溢液乳腺癌的检出是一项安全、有效的检查方法,能准确观察到肿块与溢液导管的位置关系、溢液导管受侵蚀程度,而且还能检测出临床触诊阴性的早期乳腺癌。     

Papillary lesions of the breast: evaluation with stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted biopsy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted biopsy (SDVAB) in diagnosing and managing papillary lesions of the breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the mammographic and histopathologic findings of 26 cases in which papillary lesions were diagnosed at SDVAB. In all cases, subsequent surgical excision (n = 20) or long-term imaging follow-up (n = 6) was performed and correlated with findings at SDVAB. RESULTS: SDVAB of 26 lesions yielded tissue that was classified as benign in 12, atypical in six, and malignant in eight. Of the 12 lesions that were diagnosed as histologically benign at SDVAB, six were surgically excised. Of these six lesions, five yielded benign correlative results. The sixth lesion was thought to be discordant with the imaging findings, and was surgically excised and determined to be malignant. Of the six benign lesions that were not surgically sampled for biopsy, five decreased in size and one was not seen at radiographic follow-up. Of the six lesions diagnosed as atypical at SDVAB that were surgically excised, one was benign and five were atypical. None proved to be malignant. Of the eight lesions diagnosed as malignant at SDVAB, surgical excision demonstrated ductal carcinoma in situ in all eight; two also had foci of invasive carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Benign and malignant papillary lesions of the breast can be reliably diagnosed at SDVAB when the SDVAB results correlate with the imaging findings. However, the extent of malignant papillary disease may be underestimated at SDVAB; in our study, invasive carcinoma was later discovered in 25% of patients with this diagnosis.     

同时性双侧原发性乳腺癌MRI表现与临床病理对照分析

目的：分析同时性双侧原发性乳腺癌(sBPBC)的 MRI 表现,并结合其病理类型进行对照分析,探讨其临床病理特点及双侧病变影像学表现的相关性。方法回顾性分析经手术病理证实的20例 sBPBC 患者的 MRI 表现,进行双侧 MRI 表现比较并与病理学类型对照分析。结果(1)20例 sBPBC 共41个病灶,病理类型以浸润性导管癌居多(26/41)。第一癌与第二癌病理类型相同者11例(11/20),其中,1例双侧浸润性小叶癌,10例双侧导管癌；不相同者9例(9/20)。(2)浸润性乳腺癌较早期乳腺癌 MRI 表现更具特征性。20例患者,仅6例(6/20)第一癌与第二癌具有相似的 MRI 表现,相似率不高；此6例患者,4例(4/6)具有相同的病理学类型。(3)10例患者符合第一癌为进展期乳腺癌,第二癌为早期乳腺癌或低度恶性乳腺癌。结论(1)sBPBC 患者的病理类型以浸润性导管癌发生率最高,双乳癌患者双侧病变病理类型不一定相同。(2)第二癌与第一癌的 MRI 表现相似率不高,双侧病变可分别独立行 MRI 诊断。(3)sBPBC 患者中,部分第一癌为进展期乳腺癌,第二癌为早期乳腺癌,影像诊断时遇到的一侧疑似乳腺癌,但另一侧表现不相似的小病灶,需要积极随访。