Simple Breast Cyst Ultrasonography as a Predictor of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, with an incidence rate increasing by 0.5% annually, breast cysts often occur in women of reproductive age to perimenopause. Most breast cysts are benign, especially in women of reproductive age, where hormonal fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone play a role in their formation. However, complex breast cysts have the potential for malignancy. Ultrasonography is an inexpensive and easy modality that can be used as a screening and diagnosis of breast lesions compared to MRI and CT-Scan. A 43-year-old woman was found to have pain in the Left Outer Quadrant with an identified anechoic lesion, with firm and regular borders, measuring 3.9 mm x 3.6 mm, no nipple retraction. In the Upper Outer Quadrant, a well-defined anechoic lesion measuring 11.6 mm x 6.3 mm was found, without nipple retraction. Axillary, interpectoral, supraclavicular, and cervical lymph nodes were not prominent. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) is a standardized system developed by the American College of Radiology to improve the consistency and clarity of breast imaging reports. Simple cysts are typically categorized as benign, falling within a BI-RADS 2. Cysts are considered suspicious or highly suspicious (BI-RADS 4 or 5) if they exhibit hemorrhagic contents, wall thickening, irregular septa, associated solid lesions, irregular vascularity, or other radiologic findings that may indicate malignancy. Ultrasonography is an effective and accessible modality that can be an important tool for obstetricians and gynecologists in the early detection and evaluation of potentially malignant cystic breast changes.