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Citation:
Radswiki T, Glick Y, Morgan M, et al. Apocrine metaplasia of the breast. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 26 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-15049
Apocrine metaplasia of the breast is a benign breast condition and is sometimes considered part of or associated with fibrocystic change. It is a common finding in the female breast, particularly after the age of 25, and many regard it as a normal component of the breast.
Seen mostly in women over the age of 50 years.
Metaplastic changes occur secondary to some kind of irritation, most often being a breast cyst. Apocrine-like cells form in a lining of developing microcysts due to the increased intraluminal pressure caused by secretions.
Association
Mammography
Mammographic features are nonspecific.
There are no distinguishing mammographic features, although a new or enlarging lobular, microlobulated mass or heterogeneous calcification cluster may sometimes represent apocrine metaplasia. When this is seen, a needle biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis 1.
Breast ultrasound
Ultrasound may show a cluster of small (2-5 mm) anechoic foci with intervening septae 3.
Treatment and prognosis
When there is hyperplasia seen along with metaplasia there is an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
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