Value of diagnostic imaging for the symptomatic male breast: Can we avoid unnecessary biopsies?

Abstract Purpose To review the use of diagnostic breast imaging and outcomes for symptomatic male patients. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 122 males who underwent diagnostic imaging for breast symptoms at our academic center. Results The majority (94%) of cases had negative or benign imaging,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical imaging 2017-09, Vol.45, p.86-91
Main Authors: Foo, Eric T, Lee, Amie Y, Ray, Kimberly M, Woodard, Genevieve A, Freimanis, Rita I, Joe, Bonnie N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Benign
Biopsy
Breast
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms, Male - diagnosis
Breasts
Cancer
Cellular biology
Diagnostic Imaging - utilization
Diagnostic systems
Electronic health records
Gynecomastia
Humans
Image-Guided Biopsy - utilization
Imaging
Male
Male breast cancer
Male breast symptoms
Males
Malignancy
Mammography
Mammography - methods
Medical records
Mens health
Middle Aged
Patients
Radiology
Retrospective Studies
Transgender persons
Ultrasonic imaging
Unnecessary Procedures - utilization
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Purpose To review the use of diagnostic breast imaging and outcomes for symptomatic male patients. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 122 males who underwent diagnostic imaging for breast symptoms at our academic center. Results The majority (94%) of cases had negative or benign imaging, with gynecomastia being the most common diagnosis (78%). There were two malignancies, both of which had positive imaging. Fifteen patients underwent percutaneous biopsy, and over half (53%) were palpation-guided biopsies initiated by the referring clinician despite negative imaging. Diagnostic imaging demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity for identifying cancer. Conclusions Malignancy is rarely a cause of male breast symptoms. Diagnostic breast imaging is useful to establish benignity and avert unnecessary biopsies.
ISSN:0899-7071
1873-4499
DOI:10.1016/j.clinimag.2017.06.004