DILATED DUCT PATTERN AT MAMMOGRAPHY

PURPOSE: To determine the importance of a dilated duct pattern at mamm ography.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammograms obtained in 46 women with hi stopathologically proved, asymmetrically dilated ducts were retrospect ively studied. The laterality and location of the asymmetrically dilat ed duct, the presence of branching, and associated findings such as mi crocalcifications, nipple discharge, and interval change were evaluate d. RESULTS: Eleven patients (24%) had malignant results (ductal carcin oma in situ or invasive ductal carcinoma). Among these, six (54%) had suspicious microcalcifications. Nonsubareolar location and interval ch ange are significant (P = .04) variables associated with malignancy. C ONCLUSION: Mammographic asymmetrically dilated ducts in a nonsubareola r area that are associated with interval change, suspicious microcalci fications, or both warrant biopsy.