[Mucocele-like lesions of the breast: management after diagnosis on ultrasound guided core biopsy or stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy]

Abstract

Objectives: Clinical and pathological features of mucocele-like lesions in the breast are well-known though rare. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of other breast proliferations association, the underestimation with ultrasound guided core biopsy or stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy and its implication on patient's management.

Patients and methods: Retrospective study conducted in the gynecology departments of Tours and Orleans between January 1997 and December 2007, reviewing the records of all patients with diagnosis of mammary mucocele-like lesion on core or stereotactic biopsy.

Results: Eight cases were identified, all screen-detected (mammographic abnormalities) on asymptomatic women. For the five cases diagnosed by core biopsy, initial histological examination found isolated mucocele-like lesions in four cases, and association with atypical ductal hyperplasia in the other case. Vacuum-assisted biopsy and/or surgical excision were always done finding an association with mucinous carcinoma and another case of association with atypical ductal hyperplasia. For cases diagnosed by vacuum-assisted biopsy, histological examination was almost similar to the surgical one.

Discussion and conclusion: High rate of associated lesions (especially atypical ductal hyperplasia) makes necessary the advice of complementary surgical excision after a diagnosis of a mucocele-like lesion on a biopsy specimen. Vacuum-assisted biopsies could have their place as a curative method in certain conditions.