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. 2023 Apr 1;19(2):166-171.
doi: 10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2023.2022-10-4. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Evaluation of Benign Breast Diseases With or Without Atypical Epithelial Hyperplasia Accompanying Radial Scars

Zeliha Turkyilmaz  1 , Elif Sarisik  2 , Enver Ozkurt  3 , Mustafa Tukenmez  3 , Selman Emiroglu  3 , Baris Emiroglu  3 , Semen Onder  4 , Ravza Yilmaz  5 , Mahmut Muslumanoglu  3 , Abdullah Igci  3 , Vahit Ozmen  3 , Neslihan Cabioglu  3
Affiliations

Evaluation of Benign Breast Diseases With or Without Atypical Epithelial Hyperplasia Accompanying Radial Scars

Zeliha Turkyilmaz et al. Eur J Breast Health. .

Abstract

Objective: A radial scar (RS) is a benign breast lesion (BBL) that has an obscure etiology. RS is easily confused with breast carcinoma and therefore correct identification radiologically and pathologically is important. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of atypical lesions by evaluating RS detected with BBL and to investigate whether atypia and RS are related to their characteristics.

Materials and methods: A total of 1.370 patients with a diagnosis of BBL postoperatively in a single department were analyzed retrospectively. Forty-six confirmed RS/complex sclerosing lesion (CSL) cases were selected. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients and the relationship between RS and other BBL were evaluated. In addition, the relationship between RS/CSL and the presence of atypia was interpreted.

Results: The mean age was 45.17±8.72 years. Spiculated lesion (34.8%) on mammography and microcalcification (37%) on histopathological examination were the most common features. The most common BBL accompanying RS/CSL was adenosis. Atypical epithelial hyperplasia (AEH) was presented in 15 (32.6%) of those diagnosed with RS. Although all patients were benign, the frequency of AEH accompanying RS was found to be significantly higher. The mean size of RS was 10.8±8.4 mm (2-30 mm). The size of RS/CSL was not significantly associated with atypia.

Conclusion: RS/CSLs usually present as suspicious lesions that must be distinguished radiologically from malignancy. However RS, which can be present with malign breast lesions, can be also seen with all BBL. Therefore, core biopsy and/or excisional biopsy continue to be important for definitive histopathological diagnosis.

Keywords: Radial scar; benign breast lesions; complex sclerosing lesion; spiculated lesion.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest declared by the authors.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
RS mammographic appearence RS: radial scar
Figure 2
Figure 2
CSL with sclerosan papilloma, adenosis and radial scar (H&E, x100)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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