Audit on breast ultrasound in women under 25 years

Ir J Med Sci. 2013 Jun;182(2):287-9. doi: 10.1007/s11845-012-0877-7. Epub 2012 Nov 28.

Abstract

Background: Women younger than 30 years with a focal breast finding have a low incidence of malignancy. Targeted ultrasound is an accurate primary imaging test.

Materials and methods: All breast ultrasounds performed from July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011 were reviewed. All ultrasounds in patients under 25 years were reviewed with regard to indication, imaging findings, and pathology results.

Results: Over a 3-month period, 855 breast ultrasounds were performed; 4.1 % breast ultrasounds were performed in a patient under 25 years. Twenty patients had imaging features consistent with a fibroadenoma. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of fibroadenomas in 15 of the patients. Five patients did not have biopsies performed due to young age or presence of bilateral fibroadenoma.

Conclusion: A breast nodule in a patient under the age of 25 years with benign clinical findings and imaging features consistent with a fibroadenoma does not require biopsy.

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Diseases / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Fibroadenoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary*
  • Young Adult