MAMMOGRAPHIC ABNORMALITIES AND THE DETECTION OF CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST

OBJECTIVE: In an attempt to reduce the number of unnecessary breast bi opsies, the yield rate of cancer relative to specific types of mammogr aphically detected abnormality was investigated. STUDY DESIGN: Between 1989 and 1991, 169 patients with an abnormality as detected by mammog ram but with no palpable mass were reviewed. Abnormalities detected by mammogram were divided into four types. The rate of biopsy-confirmed cancer per type of abnormality was calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of cancer per type of mammographically detected abnormality was as fol lows: mass 11%, mass with abnormal calcification 21%, abnormal calcifi cation 22%, and asymmetric density 2%. CONCLUSION: Biopsy is recommend ed for mammographically detected abnormalities of a mass, a mass with abnormal calcification, and abnormal calcification without mass. Consi deration should be given to deferring biopsy in favor of a follow-up s tudy for asymmetric densities.