Background

Hemangiomas of the breast are benign vascular tumor which are thin walled, blood-filled vascular spaces, separated by fibrous septa, with extensive fibrosis and sometime phleboliths [1]. Breast hemangiomas are found in 1.2% of mastectomy specimens and 11% of postmortem specimens of female breast [2]. Vascular lesions of the breast are uncommon and mostly benign which include hemangioma, lymphangioma and angiolipoma. Breast hemangiomas are even more rare and represent only 0.4% of all breast tumors [3]. They are mostly located in the subdermal or subcutaneous tissue and are rarely intraparenchymal. These lesions usually cause slight discoloration to the overlying skin due to large draining veins. On mammography, they are oval or lobular in shape and are superficial, solid masses with varied echotexture which may contain calcifications in sonography. Though vascular in nature hypovascularity has been reported in benign lesions, whereas hypervascularity in malignant lesions. On contrast MRI, the early enhancement of these lesions following contrast administration may raise a suspicious nature. Since hemangiomas do not have pathognomonic imaging features, imaging can be misleading in most cases. Histopathology will confirm the endothelial-lined dilated vascular channels filled with red blood cells. Though benign, surgical excision has been recommended for these lesions as angiosarcoma of the breast may contain well differentiated foci that can closely mimic a benign vascular lesion [4].

Case presentation

A 58-year-old Indian female came to our breast imaging unit with complaints of skin discoloration and vague mass in lateral aspect of left breast for 1 month. The mass was insidious in growth, with no associated pain. There were no other similar skin lesions elsewhere. History of breast or ovarian malignancies was negative in the family. She attained menarche at 14 and had never used oral contraceptives. On local examination a mobile, firm mass with bluish red skin discoloration was found which was not associated with nipple retraction or axillary lymphadenopathy. Digital mammogram of both breasts performed showed an irregular, circumscribed, high-density lesion in the upper outer quadrant of left breast with few specks of benign round calcification within the lesion (Fig. 1). This was followed by targeted breast ultrasound that revealed an irregular, solid, parallel oriented, heterogeneous lesion with indistinct margins and no posterior features measuring ~ 3 × 2.5 cm. The lesion was abutting the subcutaneous plane with no associated skin thickening (Fig. 2). On color Doppler, no significant vascularity was detected and on shear wave elastography, the lesion was found to be hard with 168 kPa. Due to indistinct margins and elastography, the lesion was considered BI-RADS 4 and a core needle biopsy was performed (Fig. 2). Histopathology showed dilated vascular channels of varying caliber representing a hemangioma (Fig. 3). No cellular atypia, necrosis or increased mitotic activity were noted. Hence, patient was advised for a regular follow-up and report to the hospital in case of sudden increase in size.

Fig. 1
figure 1

A 58-year-old female with complaints of skin discoloration and vague mass in lateral aspect of left breast for 1 month. A, B An irregular circumscribed macrolobulated high-density lesion with benign calcification in upper outer quadrant. C Mammogram image of the same lesion depicting the benign calcification (arrow)

Full size image
Fig. 2
figure 2

A, B: shows a well circumscribed oval parallel oriented solid heterogeneous lesion with no posterior features and absent vascularity. C on shear wave elastography the lesion shows increased stiffness. D. Ultrasound guided core biopsy with needle in situ (arrow)

Full size image
Fig. 3
figure 3

A Sections show focal breast tissue and a fairly circumscribed lesion comprising predominantly of vascular channels H&E X40. B Dilated vascular channels of varying caliber surrounded by few inflammatory cells H&E X100.C. Vessels are lined by flattened endothelial cells and some showing red blood cells in the lumen H&E X400

Full size image

Conclusion

Breast hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors that lack specific imaging features. Hence for lesions with conclusive evidence of benignity in core needle biopsy, follow-up imaging is ideal and for those cases with atypical radiological and pathological findings, a complete surgical resection is mandatory in order to exclude the possibility of an underlying angiosarcoma.