Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of non-mass enhancement of the breast

J Med Ultrason (2001). 2023 Jul;50(3):361-366. doi: 10.1007/s10396-023-01290-2. Epub 2023 Feb 18.

Abstract

Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System magnetic resonance imaging (BI-RADS-MRI) classifies lesions as mass, non-mass enhancement (NME), or focus. BI-RADS ultrasound does not currently have the concept of non-mass. Additionally, knowing the concept of NME in MRI is significant. Thus, this study aimed to provide a narrative review of NME diagnosis in breast MRI. Lexicons are defined with distribution (focal, linear, segmental, regional, multiple regions, and diffuse) and internal enhancement patterns (homogenous, heterogeneous, clumped, and clustered ring) in the case of NME. Among these, linear, segmental, clumped, clustered ring, and heterogeneous are the terms that suggest malignancy. Hence, a hand search was conducted for reports of malignancy frequencies. The malignancy frequency in NME is widely distributed, ranging from 25 to 83.6%, and the frequency of each finding varies. Latest techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging and ultrafast dynamic MRI, are attempted to differentiate NME. Additionally, attempts are made in the preoperative setting to determine the concordance of lesion spread based on findings and the presence of invasion.

Keywords: BI-RADS; Breast cancer; MRI; Non-mass enhancement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Breast* / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast* / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Retrospective Studies