Abstract
Objective
To retrospectively evaluate characteristics of and determine appropriate follow-up recommendations for BI-RADS category 3 lesions detected in preoperative MRI of breast cancer patients.
Methods
BI-RADS category 3 assessments were identified from the breast MRI database for 5,110 consecutive breast cancer patients who had undergone preoperative MRI and surgery. Patient and lesion characteristics, malignancy rate, and interval between lesion detection and cancer diagnosis were analysed. Histopathological results or imaging at or after 2-year follow-up were used as reference standards.
Results
Of the 626 lesions, morphological features included a single focus in 26.5% (n = 166), multiple foci in 47.1% (n = 295), mass in 21.7% (n = 136) and non-mass enhancement in 4.6% (n = 29). Cancer was found in 0.8% (5/626) at a median interval of 50 months (range, 29–66 months). Malignancy rate according to morphological feature was: 1.8% (3/166) in a single focus, 0.7% (1/136) in mass and 3.4% (1/29) in non-mass enhancement. All detected cancers were stage 0 or IA.
Conclusions
Annual follow-up might be adequate for BI-RADS category 3 lesions detected at preoperative MRI because of the 0.8% (5/626) malignancy rate, long interval between lesion detection and cancer diagnosis, and early stage of diagnosed cancers.
Key Points
• BI-RADS category 3 lesions on preoperative MRI had 0.8% malignancy rate.
• All cancer diagnoses from BI-RADS 3 occurred after 24-month follow-up.
• Annual follow-up might be adequate for BI-RADS 3 detected on preoperative MRI.
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The scientific guarantor of this publication is Nariya Cho.
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The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies, whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article.
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Methodology
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retrospective
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observational
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performed at one institution
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Gweon, H.M., Cho, N., Kim, SY. et al. Management for BI-RADS category 3 lesions detected in preoperative breast MR imaging of breast cancer patients. Eur Radiol 27, 3211–3216 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4721-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4721-8