Pure mucinous breast cancer-mammographic and ultrasound findings

• Published in: Clinical radiology 1996-06, Vol.51 (6), p.421-424
• Main Authors: Chopra, S., Evans, A.J., Pinder, S.E., Yeoman, L.J., Ellis, I.O., Elston, C.W., Wilson, A.R.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous - diagnostic imaging; Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Breast Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Female; Genital system. Mammary gland; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Mammography; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Ultrasonic investigative techniques; Ultrasonography, Mammary
• ISSN: 0009-9260; 1365-229X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0009-9260(96)80162-0

To describe the mammographic and ultrasonographic features of pure mucinous breast cancer. The mammographic features of 15 patients and ultrasonographic features of seven patients with pure mucinous breast cancer were reviewed retrospectively by three experienced breast radiologists. The commonest mammographic appearance was of a poorly defined (86%) lobulated (71%) mass which could contain calcification (14%). A well defined mass (14%) and suspicious calcifications without a mass (7%) were also seen. Ultrasound showed a mass lesion in all seven cases which was either hypoechoic (86%) or mixed echogenicity (14%); 86% had a heterogeneous internal echo pattern; 71% showed distal enhancement while none showed distal attenuation. The imaging features of pure mucinous cancer are different from more common types of breast carcinoma. It is possible to misinterpret the appearances of this slow growing tumour as a benign lesion due to rarity of spiculation on mammography and distal attenuation on ultrasonography. Most cases do, however, show other features suggesting malignancy.