MRI Excellent for Evaluation of Carcinomatous Invasion of Nipple-Areolar Complex

Background: Analysis of mastectomy specimens in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer has shown an incidence of clinically occult tumor involvement of the nipple-areolar complex that can range from 8% to 58%. Objective: To determine MRI characteristics that may be associated with malignant invasion of the nipple-areolar complex. Methods: Over a 7-year retrospective period, patients diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent preoperative breast imaging with MRI and ultrasound (US) were identified. Those who had invasive carcinoma documented within 2 cm of the nipple on US were included in the study. MRI images were retrospectively reviewed by 2 radiologists who were blinded to the final pathologic diagnosis. The imaging findings were correlated with final histopathology from surgical excision. Mammographic images were also reviewed to determine the performance of MRI as compared with mammography. Results: Fifty-one breast cancers identified within 2 cm of the nipple were inc more...