What is nodular asymmetry in a mammogram?
You may simply have more tissue in one breast than another (global asymmetry), or in one spot (focal nodular asymmetry). By using additional mammogram images, comparing prior studies to current ones, or by using different modalities like ultrasound, a radiologist can usually determine the cause of the finding.
Does developing asymmetry mean cancer?
Developing asymmetry is an important and challenging mammographic finding, associated with a moderate risk of malignancy. Biopsy is nearly always indicated if the finding persists following diagnostic evaluation.
Is Asymmetry a mass?
By definition, a focal asymmetric density is seen on two mammographic views but cannot be accurately identified as a true mass (,,,Fig 4). Although a focal asymmetric density may represent normal breast tissue, further evaluation is often warranted to exclude a true mass or architectural distortion.
What causes an asymmetry on a mammogram?
Asymmetry (mammography) 1 Pathology. The most common cause for an asymmetry on screening mammography is superimposition of normal breast tissue (summation artifact) 6. 2 Radiographic features. An asymmetry or focal asymmetry that is unchanged over at least 2 years does not deserve attention. 3 Radiology report. 4 Differential diagnosis
Are there any studies on asymmetric breast tissue?
Piccoli and associates studied serial mammograms of women with asymmetric breast tissue but negative physical examinations to determine the nature of soft tissue changes over time. Twenty-eight women with asymmetric breast tissue, as seen on either routine screening or diagnostic mammograms, were eligible for the study.
Is the focal asymmetry of the breast benign?
In the three patients who had MRI, the focal asymmetry was interpreted as benign. All 16 biopsy specimens were reported as benign. Of the 13 available for review, all showed evidence of fibrocystic changes but no microcalcifications or carcinoma.
When to use BI-RADS for Global asymmetry?
A developing asymmetry, unless shown to be characteristically benign such as a cyst on ultrasound, is assessed BI-RADS 4 (suspicious). An exception would be if there is a clear benign explanation, such as recent surgery, trauma, or infection at that site. Global asymmetry, in the absence of palpable correlate, is assessed BI-RADS 2 (benign).