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Current national guidance supports the use of either ultrasound-guided core biopsy (USCB) or ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (USFNAC) to detect preoperatively axillary lymph node involvement in early breast cancer but does not support one over the other. To compare the accuracy of USFNAC to USCB in diagnosing axillary lymph node metastasis in early-stage breast cancer in our symptomatic breast care unit. Historical case series data for patients from November 2007 to May 2012 was analysed. Our study included newly diagnosed, symptomatic, clinically node-negative breast cancers. Women with screen-detected breast cancer, those who had breast staging by magnetic resonance imaging, those unfit for surgery and those with locally advanced cancers were excluded. GE Logic E9 and Philips ultrasound machines were used for the study. A total of 1213 axillary ultrasound scans were performed during the period of the study. Four hundred eighty-eight women were eligible for the study with a mean age of 57.8 years. Eighty-three (17%) had USFNAC, 116 (23.7%) had USCB and 289 (59.2%) had normal/benign US features. The sensitivity and specificity of USFNAC were 58% and 100%, respectively. For USCB, sensitivity and specificity were 82% and 100%, respectively, and for US alone, sensitivity and specificity were 50% and 77%, respectively. We support the routine use of USCB over USFNAC for women who have breast cancer with indeterminate or suspicious axillary involvement on ultrasound, due to its greater accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, benign and chronic inflammatory condition of the breast. Clinically, it can mimic inflammatory breast cancer and is difficult to distinguish from tuberculous mastitis and sarcoidosis. Diagnosis of IGM is usually by exclusion and confirmed by histopathological examination. The mainstays of treatment described in current literature are antibiotics, systemic steroids and immunosuppressants. Case report: We present a case of IMG treated with topical steroids only, with no side effects or relapse. Results and Conclusions: Till now, there are no specific guidelines for the management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. It varies from expectant management, steroid treatment till surgical intervention. Topical steroids were used as alternative to systemic preparations with the potential benefit of avoiding the side effects of long-term systemic steroid therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 1972, Arrigoni termed hamartoma of the breast as all swellings that are grossly circumscribed, encapsulated masses, composed of mammary ducts and prominent lobules admixed with varying amounts of fibrous and adipose tissue often misdiagnosed as fibroadenomas or mammary dysplasias, a protocol needs to be established with regard to the mammographic and pathological details that confirm the existence of these lesions as a distinct entity. Pathognomonic radiological findings help identify these lesions, confirmed later on tissue diagnosis. Methods: Hamartomas form a rare and distinct group of benign breast lesions which are characterized by distinctive mammographic and pathological features, added to a high degree of clinical suspicion. They do not possess specific diagnostic histological features. The role of fine needle aspiration cytology and needle core biopsy in making the diagnosis is limited, and requires clinical and radiological correlation to avoid under diagnosis. The presence of fibrous tissue within the lobules, or fibrous tissue and fat in the stroma, with or without pseudoangiomatous changes, should alert the pathologist to the possibility of a hamartoma. Although hamartomas are benign, coincidental malignancy can occur, and the issue of potential recurrence has not been resolved. Results: We presented a case of mammary hamartoma in an 82-year-old female which was picked up on a chest CT scan, diagnosis was confirmed by mammogram, breast ultra sound scan as well as core biopsy. Conclusions: Breast hamartoma is a rare entity, but whenever unfamiliar presentation of benign breast lesion is encountered with microcalcifications, this entity should be considered and coexistent malignancy should be ruled out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]