High-grade ductal carcinoma

Case contributed by Zareena Ansari
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Routine annual check up which included a mammogram.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
mammography

The mammography revealed bulky, predominantly fatty breasts with a tiny suspicious lesion in the right breast. Spot magnification revealed a spiculated mass.

mammography

Ultrasound revealed a small irregular hypoechoic lesion at the 9 o'clock position. The lesion looked highly suspicious for malignancy. A final diagnosis of a BIRADS category 5 lesion was given.

Since the lesion was not palpable, an ultrasound-guided wire localization was done followed by excision.

mammography

Check mammogram with wire in situ.

mammography

Specimen mammography demonstrates hookwire and mass in situ. 

Case Discussion

Mammography is very sensitive in case of fatty breasts as was found in this case. Even a subcentimeter lesion was detected on the initial mammogram. Spot magnification added to further characterization of the lesion. 

A wire localization, in this case, helped the surgeon in performing a successful lumpectomy without having to remove an entire quadrant. 

Histopathology confirmed high-grade ductal carcinoma.

The smaller the carcinoma, the better the prognosis. In this case an early diagnosis in an absolutely asymptomatic patient  improved her chances of a better survival. 

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