PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the mammographic and sonographic appearances and the clinical-pathologic features of invasive micropapillary carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1999 and March 2005, among the 3,109 patients who underwent operation for breast cancer, 25 patients proved to have invasive micropaillary carcinoma. Among the 25 patients, we included 22 patients (mean age: 48, range: 26-77 years) who had undergone preoperative mammography and ultrasound. The mammographic and sonographic findings of the lesions were analyzed retrospectively. The pathologic findings were analyzed via the clinical records and pathology reports. RESULTS: Patients manifested with a palpable mass (77%, 17/22), bloody nipple discharge (14%, 3/22) or incidental lesion on the screening mammography (9%, 2/22). On mammography, a mass with an irregular (86%, 12/14) shape and an indistinct (43%, 6/14) or spiculated (43%, 6/14) margin was the most common findings on mammography. On sonography, a hypoechoic (91%, 20/22) mass with irregular shape (73%, 16/22) and an indistinct (32%, 7/22) or microlobulated (32%, 7/22) margin was the most common finding. Pathologically, axillary lymph node metastasis was present in 73% (16/22) of the patients. CONCLUSION: Invasive micropapillary carcinoma appeared an irregular shaped mass with an indistinct margin mass or microcalcifications on mammography and/or sonography. The tumors were frequently associated with axillary lymph node metastasis.
Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Mammography ; Mass Screening ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Nipples ; Pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

Adult ; Breast Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Nipples ; pathology ; surgery ; Ultrasonography ; methods

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the removal of an intraductal mass using an ultrasound (US)-guided directional vacuum-assisted device can eliminate symptoms in patients presenting with abnormal nipple discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2004 and October 2006, 36 patients who presented with abnormal nipple discharge, underwent US-guided, 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy for a benign intraductal single mass on US. The ability of the procedure to eliminate nipple discharge was evaluated by physical examination during follow-up US. Lesion characteristics, biopsy variables, and histologic features were analyzed to identify factors affecting symptom resolution. RESULTS: Of the 36 lesions, 25 (69%) were intraductal papillomas, 10 (28%) were fibrocystic changes, and one (3%) was a fibroadenoma. The nipple discharge disappeared in 69% (25 of 36) of the women at a mean follow-up time of 25 months (range 12-42 month). There was no difference in the lesion characteristics, biopsy variables, and the histologic features between groups that eliminated the symptom compared those with persistent nipple discharge. CONCLUSION: US-guided directional vacuum-assisted removal of an intraductal mass appears to eliminate nipple discharge in only 69% of patients and thus, it should not be considered as an alternative to surgical excision.
Adult ; Biopsy/*methods ; Breast Neoplasms/pathology/*ultrasonography ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Exudates and Transudates/*ultrasonography ; Female ; Humans ; Mammography ; Middle Aged ; Nipples/pathology/*ultrasonography ; Papilloma, Intraductal/pathology/*ultrasonography ; Retrospective Studies ; *Ultrasonography, Interventional ; *Ultrasonography, Mammary ; Vacuum