Asymmetry (mammography)

Asymmetries in mammography represent a spectrum of morphological descriptors for a unilateral fibroglandular-density finding seen on one or more mammographic projections that do not meet criteria for a mass. The term refers to a density finding and should not be confused with asymmetry in breast size.

The criteria for an asymmetry include that it is seen only on one projection, the borders are not convex, or the center is not denser than the periphery (e.g. it is interspersed with fat).

Under the BI-RADS lexicon ⁵, there are four types of asymmetries:

• asymmetry
• focal asymmetry
• developing asymmetry
• global asymmetry

Pathology

The most common cause for an asymmetry on screening mammography is superimposition of normal breast tissue (summation artifact) ⁶. Asymmetries that are subsequently confirmed to be a real lesion may represent a focal asymmetry or mass, for which it is important to further evaluate to exclude breast cancer ⁵. Developing asymmetries are sufficiently suspicious to justify recall and biopsy, with 15% representing malignancy ⁷.

Global asymmetry is most commonly a normal variant and is discussed separately.

Radiographic features

The BI-RADS lexicon defines four types of asymmetries ⁵:

• asymmetry: visible on only one projection
• focal asymmetry: visible on two projections, involves less than one quadrant, lacks convex-outwards borders or is interspersed with fat
• developing asymmetry: focal asymmetry that is new, larger, or more conspicuous than on prior examinations
• global asymmetry: visible on two projections, involves more than one quadrant

Mammography

An asymmetry or focal asymmetry that is unchanged over at least 2 years does not deserve attention. Otherwise, findings of an asymmetry, focal asymmetry, or developing asymmetry found on screening merit recall for further evaluation.

Upon recall from screening mammography, repeating the original view(s) with the finding is often helpful and additional views should be considered:

• spot compression views: useful to distinguish superimposition of tissues from real findings (summation shadows disappear upon compression)
• rolled CC view: useful to localize a finding only seen on CC view
• 90 degree lateral view/LM view: useful to localize a finding better seen on MLO projection
• spot magnification views: rarely helpful for asymmetries alone but useful for evaluation of associated microcalcifications

In the diagnostic setting, localized findings can be further evaluated by ultrasound.

Radiology report

Asymmetries that turn out to be summation artifact are benign (BI-RADS 2). The BI-RADS Atlas offers guidance regarding the other categories of asymmetries ⁵:

A solitary focal asymmetry (without architectural distortion, calcifications, or underlying mass identified on diagnostic mammography and ultrasound) is assessed as BI-RADS 3 (likely benign).

A developing asymmetry, unless shown to be characteristically benign such as a cyst on ultrasound, is assessed BI-RADS 4 (suspicious). An exception would be if there is a clear benign explanation, such as recent surgery, trauma, or infection at that site.

Global asymmetry, in the absence of palpable correlate, is assessed BI-RADS 2 (benign).

Differential diagnosis

Asymmetries may represent any of a long list of pathologies:

• normal variation
  • asymmetrical breast tissue
  • ectopic breast tissue: accessory breast tissue
• post-traumatic
  • surgical breast scar
  • breast hematoma
  • mammary fat necrosis
• asymmetry of residual parenchyma post breast reduction surgery
• sclerosing lobular hyperplasia ⁴
• pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) ²
• diabetic mastopathy
• breast cancer
  • invasive ductal carcinoma
    • tubular breast cancer
  • invasive lobular carcinoma

See also

• other imaging features of breast malignancy
  • masses
  • calcifications
  • architectural distortions