Ultrasound diagnosis of fibroadenoma — is biopsy always necessary?

G.E.C. Smith and P. Burrows
followed by commentary by Barbara Dall
Clinical Radiology Volume 63, Issue 5, May 2008, Pages 511-515

Link to Journal

The majority of patients in the 25 years and under age group have benign breast pathology, most commonly fibroadenoma. Modern ultrasound is a reliable technique to diagnose fibroadenoma in the hands of experienced breast radiologists. Therefore, in this age group, it is proposed that a palpable lump that has the ultrasound characteristics entirely consistent with a fibroadenoma need not be biopsied unless there is overriding clinical concern. The patients should be reassured, discharged, and advised to return for further evaluation only if they detect a change in the palpable abnormality

A project is also being co-ordinated by Robin Wilson, surveying the data from UK breast screening centres. May be presented at the RCRBG annual meeting this November