Radial scar of the breast: mammographic enigma in pre and postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence and the mammographic features of the lesions suggestive of radial scar (RS). METHODS: We reviewed 31883 mammograms of women in pre and postmenopause and we found 23 (0.072%) images suggestive of RS. Twelve out of 23 (52%) women were in premenopause and 11 out of 23 (48%) in postmenopause, respectively. Histologic diagnosis was made on the surgical biopsy specimen. RESULTS: We described mammographic features of these lesions. On 23 biopsy specimens of mammograms suggestive of RS, histology pointed out 11 (48%) radial scars, 3 (13%) sclerosing adenosis and 9 (39%) carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: In our case histories we found 11 (0.034%) radial scars among 31883 performed mammographies. Mammographic findings suggestive of RS provide remarkable diagnostic problems because numerous aspects at mammography suggestive of this lesion can be found also both in case of sclerosing adenosis and carcinomas making differential diagnosis impossible. The finding of mammographic features suggestive of RS imposes performance of targeted surgical biopsy for the correct diagnosis.