Image presentation. Sonographic appearances of benign and malignant male breast disease with mammographic and pathologic correlation

Abstract

Objective: Imaging of the male breast is most often performed for the evaluation of a clinical abnormality such as breast enlargement or tenderness, a palpable mass, nipple skin changes, or nipple discharge. Most breast lesions encountered in men are benign. Malignant breast lesions are less frequent; breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all male cancers in the United States. The initial imaging evaluation of a finding in the male breast is performed with mammography. Sonography is frequently used as an adjunct to mammography but is less often used as the primary imaging modality. The objective of this article is to provide readers with a thorough review of the sonographic appearances of benign and malignant male breast disease.

Methods: We reviewed our institution's case database to identify male patients who underwent mammography, sonography, and subsequent biopsy of a breast lesion. These cases were collected and reviewed to select the best imaging examples.

Results: A spectrum of benign and malignant male breast disease is presented with corresponding sonographic, mammographic, and pathologic imaging. For each entity, the salient imaging findings and typical clinical presentation are discussed.

Conclusions: Most studies in the literature have reported on the mammographic and sonographic imaging features of primary breast carcinoma in men. However, very little has been reported on the sonographic appearance of benign and malignant male breast conditions. Recognition and correct identification of pathologic male breast entities on sonography is essential to determine appropriate management recommendations and avoid unnecessary biopsies.