EPIDERMAL INCLUSION CYSTS OF THE BREAST - 3 LESIONS WITH CALCIFICATIONS

PURPOSE: To determine whether there are any mammographic and ultrasono graphic (US) features of epidermal inclusion cysts of the breast, incl uding heterogeneous microcalcifications, that may be used to preclude unnecessary biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical history and imagin g findings in 15 patients who had undergone surgical excision of an ep idermal inclusion cyst were reviewed. RESULTS: In 11 patients, imaging findings of an epidermal inclusion cyst were noted, including 10 pati ents with mammographic findings, one with US findings only, and seven with mammographic and US findings. The most common mammographic findin g (in nine of 10 patients) was an isodense to high-density mass with a circumscribed margin; three circumscribed masses had multiple associa ted heterogeneous microcalcifications. In the seven patients with corr esponding US findings, a circumscribed hypoechoic mass with through tr ansmission was depicted. An additional US feature in six patients was extension of the mass into the dermis. CONCLUSION: Biopsy may be deeme d unnecessary if the characteristic US and physical examination findin gs are present, even in the case of a cyst with heterogeneous microcal cifications.