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Breast haemangioma

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody et al.

A breast haemangioma is a benign vascular lesion occurring within breast tissue.

Epidemiology

Breast hemangiomas are reported to be found in ~ 1.2% of mastectomy specimensand 11% of post-mortem specimens. They can occur at almost any age with an age range between 18 months and 82 years.

Pathology

The haemangiomas that occur within the breast are most commonly the cavernous type ². While lesions are most often superficial within the breast tissue, there is no recognised predilection towards any particular location within the breast. Histologically they are similar to haemangiomas at other sites ⁹ and comprise of lobular proliferation of vessels filled with blood.

Radiographic features

Mammography

Mammographic appearances are generally non-specific. They may be seen as oval or lobular isodense masses with well-circumscribed margins on a mammogram. Calcification may be present.

Breast ultrasound

A haemangioma may appear as a lobulated, superficial, well-circumscribed, solid mass thatis predominantly hypo-echoic. It may contain areas of calcification. Hyper-echoic nodules also have been described.

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