MAMMOGRAPHIC LESIONS SUGGESTIVE OF RADIAL SCARS - MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS IN 40 CASES

PURPOSE: To analyze the histologic appearance of mammographically dete cted lesions suspected of being radial scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: M ammographic and pathologic findings in 40 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of radial scar were reviewed restrospectively. RESULTS: Pat hologic examination revealed 20 pure radial scars, 12 pure carcinomas, and eight malignant lesions (seven tubular carcinomas and one infiltr ating ductal carcinoma) associated with a radial scar. At mammography, no difference was noted between benign and malignant lesions accordin g to size and shape of the spicule, size of the central core, and the presence of calcifications. CONCLUSION: Because of the association of radial scars with borderline and malignant lesions, a spiculated lesio n suggestive of a radial scar found at mammography must always be surg ically removed. The surgeon and pathologist must be aware of the mammo graphic aspects of radial scar, however, to avert excessive surgery, b ecause all cancers in this study had a good prognosis.