J Korean Soc Radiol.  2023 May;84(3):676-685. 10.3348/jksr.2022.0029.

Clustered Microcysts Detected on Breast US in Asymptomatic Women

• Kim HJ
• Lee JH
• Park YM
• Lim K

• KMID: 2542901
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2022.0029

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the incidence, outcomes, and imaging characteristics of clustered microcysts detected on breast US in asymptomatic women, and suggest appropriate management guidelines.
Materials and Methods
We identified and reviewed the lesions recorded as “clustered microcysts” on breast US performed in asymptomatic women between August 2014 and December 2019. The final diagnosis was based on pathology and imaging follow-up results for at least 12 months.
Results
The incidence was 1.5% and 100 patients with 117 lesions were included. Among 117 lesions, 3 (2.6%), 2 (1.7%), and 112 (95.7%) were malignant, high-risk benign, and benign lesions, respectively. The malignant lesions included two cases of ductal carcinoma in situ and one invasive ductal carcinoma. Two of them were assessed as category 4, showing mammographic suspicious microcalcifications and internal vascularity on Doppler US. The remainder was a false negative case and showed echo pattern change on the 12-month follow-up US.
Conclusion
The incidence of clustered microcysts on breast US in asymptomatic women was 1.5% and malignancy rate was 2.6% (3 of 117). Knowledge of outcomes and imaging features of benign and malignant clustered microcysts may be helpful for radiologists, thereby aiding categorization and management recommendations.

Keyword

Breast; Ultrasonography; Mass Screening; Breast Cyst