Anita G. Bourke

Radiological appearances of papillary breast lesions

This review illustrates the varied appearances of benign and malignant papillary breast tumours, as identified by a breast cancer-screening programme. The commonest mammographic appearance of a papillary tumour is as a soft-tissue mass, with calcification present in less than half of cases. When calcification is present the pattern is variable, but clusters of pleomorphic calcification can occur, sometimes resembling the mammographic appearance of invasive ductal carcinoma. Ultrasonography of papillary lesions typically shows a solid, oval, intraductal mass, often associated with duct dilatation. A cystic component is also commonly seen, and lesions may appear hypervascular on colour Doppler ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a high sensitivity, but low specificity for detecting papillary tumours, and is useful in establishing the extent and distribution of lesions in patients with multiple papillomatosis. Despite a benign histology on core biopsy, an argument exists for complete surgical excision of all papillary tumours, as a significant proportion of papillomas will contain foci of atypia or overt malignant change.

Ultrasound-Guided Optical Coherence Tomography Needle Probe for the Assessment of Breast Cancer Tumor Margins

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new imaging technique for the assessment of breast cancer tumor margins. The technique entails deployment of a high-resolution optical imaging needle under ultrasound guidance. Assessment was performed on fresh ex vivo tissue samples. CONCLUSION Use of the ultrasound-guided optical needle probe allowed in situ assessment of fresh tissue margins. The imaging findings corresponded to the histologic findings.

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia: a study of the mammographic and sonographic features

AIM To review the imaging features on mammogram and ultrasound of pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) of the breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search of the breast cancer screening centre and pathology department database at a teaching hospital was performed to identify cases reported as PASH between 2000 and 2007. The findings on mammogram and ultrasound were reviewed. Information on demographics and clinical outcome were obtained from the patients medical records. RESULTS Seventy-three cases of PASH were identified, which occurred in women with a mean age of 51.1 +/- 10.5 years. The mean size of the lesion was 18 mm. Up to 70.8% of cases were radiologically detected and 29.2% presented as palpable masses. The most common appearance on mammography was of a solitary, non-calcified mass (30.4%) or localized increased stroma (30.4%). The distribution of mammographic findings differed in screen-detected patients compared with those presenting clinically (p = 0.015, Fishers exact test). The most frequent sonographic appearance was of a well-defined hypoechoic mass (36.7%). CONCLUSION Although there are emerging patterns associated with PASH on imaging, the features are not sufficiently specific to allow for a prospective diagnosis. Histological confirmation, preferably with core biopsy, should always be considered.

New diagnostic techniques for breast cancer detection

Breast imaging has made huge advances in the last decade, and along with newer techniques to diagnose primary breast cancer, many novel methods are being used and look promising in detecting distant metastasis, recurrent disease and assessing response to treatment. Full-field digital mammography optimizes the lesion-background contrast and gives better sensitivity, and it is possible to see through the dense tissues by altering computer windows; this may be particularly useful in younger women with dense breasts. The need for repeat imaging is reduced, with the added advantage of reduced radiation dose to patients. Computer-aided detection systems may help the radiologist in interpretation of both conventional and digital mammograms. MRI has a role in screening women at high risk for breast cancer. It also aids in cancer management by assessing response to treatment and can help in deciding appropriate surgery by providing accurate information on the extent of the tumor. Newer diagnostic techniques such as sestamibi scans, optical imaging and molecular diagnostic techniques look promising, but need more investigation into their use. Their roles will appear clearer in coming years, and they may prove to be of help in further investigating lesions that are indeterminate on standard imaging. Other upcoming techniques are contrast-enhanced mammography and tomosynthesis. These may give additional information in indeterminate lesions, and when used in screening they aid in reducing recall rates, as shown in recent studies. PET/computed tomography has a role in detecting local disease recurrence and distant metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Imaging of carbon granulomas of the breast following carbon track localization

Three cases of carbon granuloma are described following the instillation of carbon solution at the time of stereotactic fine needle aspiration for pre-operative localization of impalpable mammographic abnormalities. If the carbon track is not excised following carbon instillation the retained carbon may result in a granuloma. This may present as a new mass on subsequent clinical or mammographic follow-up.

Diagnosis of breast microcalcifications: a comparison of stereotactic FNA and core imprint cytology as adjuncts to core biopsy

Summary Stereotactic core biopsy (CB) using 14‐gauge needles was adopted as the standard method of diagnosis of screendetected breast microcalcifications (MC) at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in 1996. Fine needle aspiration (SFNA) was included as an adjunct, to optimise sensitivity and to provide immediate reporting. Recently, core imprint cytology (CI) has been shown to have a high sensitivity in diagnosing malignancy. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the accuracy of SFNA as an adjunct to CB, and whether CI could replace SFNA for immediate reporting in MC. Part A is a retrospective review of CB/SFNA of screen‐detected MC from May 1998 to February 2000. A minimum of five cores was performed. SFNA samples were restricted to a maximum of three needle passes. Part B is a prospective study of CI from May to November 2000. In Part A, there were 406 MC in 353 women and 81 carcinomas were proven on excision. The complete sensitivity of CB for a diagnosis of malignancy was 97.5% and of SFNA was 65%. No falsepositive diagnoses were made by either method. No extra carcinomas were detected using SFNA. In Part B, CB/CI were performed on 203 MC from 165 women. There were 38 carcinomas and 30 of these (79%) were diagnosed as malignant on CI. No false‐positive diagnoses were made. The predictive value of a benign diagnosis was 95%. SFNA had little value as an adjunct to core biopsy in MC. CI promises to be useful in providing same day diagnosis for counselling purposes and for planning future surgery.

Predictors of re‐excision in wire‐guided wide local excision for early breast cancer: a Western Australian multi‐centre experience

A significant proportion of breast cancers present as impalpable lesions requiring radiological guidance prior to surgical excision, commonly by hook‐wire placement. Complete lesion excision is an essential part of treatment, and re‐excision may be needed to ensure this and minimize local recurrence. We explore a 1‐year audit of re‐excision of hook‐wire‐guided excisions in two large public breast units in Western Australia and define factors associated with the requirement for re‐excision.

Squamous metaplasia of lactiferous ducts (SMOLD)

The aim of this review is to illustrate the mammographic and sonographic appearances of squamous metaplasia of the lactiferous ducts (SMOLD) and to discuss the disease processes of this uncommon breast disease, which shows a strong correlation with smoking. The most common mammographic appearance is of a retro-areolar asymmetrical density. Ultrasonography of the symptomatic breast typically shows a retro-areolar, predominately medial, ill-defined, hypoechoic lesion with either abscess or sinus/fistula formation. Duct dilatation and continuity with lactiferous ducts is commonly seen. Increased vascularity is occasionally seen on colour Doppler ultrasound. Pathology tissue confirmation is always required and this can be by histology of a core biopsy or excision specimen, or fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. Occasionally smears of an associated abundant nipple or sinus discharge may be of value.

Handling of radioactive seed localisation breast specimens in the histopathology laboratory: the Western Australian experience

Summary Radio-guided occult lesion localisation using iodine-125 seeds (ROLLIS) is a novel method of localisation for impalpable in situ and invasive carcinomas that has been the subject of a recent pilot study and pilot study extension in Western Australia. Robust protocols for radiation safety, specimen labelling, specimen tracking, seed retrieval and seed disposal were developed at two Western Australian laboratories to minimise the risk of seed loss. The processes are safe and effective with no significant radiation exposure to pathologists and with acquisition of all seeds intact and undamaged. The success can be attributed to developing specific seed retrieval techniques, suited to local preferences at each institution, with input from surgeons, radiologists and medical physics personnel. These techniques are now routine and will continue in the randomised control phase of the ROLLIS study.

Radioguided occult lesion localisation using iodine-125 seeds ('ROLLIS') for removal of impalpable breast lesions: First Australian experience

Approximately one‐third of breast cancers are impalpable and require pre‐operative image‐guided localisation. Hook‐wire localisation (HWL) is commonly used but has several disadvantages. Use of a low‐activity radioactive iodine‐125 seed is a promising alternative technique used in the USA and the Netherlands. This pilot study describes the first use of this in Australia.