BREAST IMAGING LEXICON

BREAST IMAGING LEXICON Close window
MASS A "Mass" is a space occupying lesion seen in two different projections. If a potential mass is seen in only a single projection it should be called a "Density" until its three-dimensionality is confirmed.	Circumscribed (well-defined or sharply-defined) margins: The margins are sharply demarcated with an abrupt transition between the lesion and the surrounding tissue. Without additional modifiers there is nothing to suggest infiltration. Indistinct (ill defined) margins: The poor definition of the margins raises concern that there may be infiltration by the lesion and this is not likely due to superimposed normal breast tissue. Spiculated Margins: The lesion is characterized by lines radiating from the margins of a mass.
ARCHITECTURAL DISTORTION	The normal architecture is distorted with no definite mass visible. This includes spiculations radiating from a point, and focal retraction or distortion of the edge of the parenchyma. Architectural distortion can also be an associated finding.
ASYMMETRIC DENSITY	This is a density that cannot be accurately described using the other shapes. It is visible as asymmetry of tissue density with similar shape on two views, but completely lacking borders and the conspicuity of a true mass. It could represent an island of normal breast, but its lack of specific benign characteristics may warrant further evaluation. Additional imaging may reveal a true mass or significant architectural distortion.
CALCIFICATION	Amorphous or Indistinct Calcifications: These are often round or "flake" shaped calcifications that are sufficiently small or hazy in appearance that a more specific morphologic classification cannot be determined. Pleomorphic or Heterogeneous Calcifications: These are usually more conspicuous than the amorphic forms and are neither typically benign nor typically malignant irregular calcifications with varying sizes and shapes that are usually less than 0.5 mm in diameter. Fine, Linear or Fine, Linear, Branching (Casting) Calcifications: These are thin, irregular calcifications that appear linear, but are discontinuous and under 0.5 mm in width. Their appearance suggests filling of the lumen of a duct involved irregularly by breast cancer. a. Benign Calcifications: Benign calcifications are usually larger than calcifications associated with malignancy. They are usually coarser, often round with smooth margins and are much more easily seen.