RD breast formatted Flashcards

1
Q
  1. Breast cancer on MRI – features:
    a. Peripheral enhancement
    b. Central enhancement
    c. Non-enhancing septa
    d. Gradual enhancement
    e. Rapid enhancement
A

e. Rapid enhancement T rapid enhancement + washout = 87% malignant( best answer)only false is D1. Breast cancer on MRI – features (SK):
a. Peripheral enhancement T rim enhancement can be a feature of benign (e.g. fat necrosis, seroma, cyst, abscess) & malignant (e.g. IDC or DCIS) lesions – rim usually smooth & uniform if benign & irregular in malignant. Periphery tends to enhance first with malignant lesions. Rim enhancement is frequently a feature of high-grade IDC, fat necrosis & inflammatory cysts. If not a cyst, a lesion with rim enhancement has a 40% chance of being malignant.
b. Central enhancement T Central enhancement is pronounced enhancement of a nidus within an enhancing mass. Central enhancement has been associated with high-grade ductal cancer & vascular breast tumours.
c. Non-enhancing septa T dark internal (non-enhancing) septations can occur in both benign (e.g. FA, phyllodes) & malignant (e.g. mucinous, IDC) – septa have no intrinsic clinical significance, prognosis is that of underlying lesion
d. Gradual enhancement F more suggestive of benign lesion
e. Rapid enhancement T rapid enhancement + washout = 87% malignant

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2
Q
  1. GP finds ‘?mastopathy’ on examination. Mammo and US very suspicious (cat 4 lesion). Biopsy shows fibroglandular tissue (no malignancy). Best course of action?
    a. Call referrer to discuss
    b. Note path and file report
    c. Make sure referrer CC’d on path report
    d. Note path and send copy to referrer
    e. Call pathologist and ask him to review tissue
A

a. Call referrer to discuss will need repeat percutaneous biopsy or excision biopsy
2. GP finds ‘?mastopathy’ on examination. Mammo and US very suspicious (cat 4 lesion). Biopsy shows fibroglandular tissue (no malignancy). Best course of action?
a. Call referrer to discuss will need repeat percutaneous biopsy or excision biopsy
b. Note path and file report
c. Make sure referrer CC’d on path report
d. Note path and send copy to referrer
e. Call pathologist and ask him to review tissueCat 4 = suspicious findings of malignancy = requires further investigation, even if non-excision biopsy is benign (RANZCR BIG guidelines)

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3
Q
  1. Mammographic appearance of radial scar, which is false:
    a. Long radiating spicules with intervening lucency
    b. Architectural distortion
    c. May have overlying skin retraction
    d. Variable appearance on different projections
    e. May have associated calcifications
A

c. May have overlying skin retraction F radial scar must have no overlying skin thickening or retraction. Excision biopsy indicated

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4
Q

Patient with palpable breast lesion upper outer quadrant left breast. GP thinks related to hormone treatment. No family or personal history. U/S and mammogram normal. What is your advise.

a. return to normal biannual screening.
b. re imaging in 3 months
c. mammogram in 12 months

A

ANS = A return to normal screeningTriple test comprises:
• Clinical history & breast physical exam
• Imaging – mammo &/or US
• Biopsy – FNA &/or core biopsy

Triple test positive if any of the 3 components is positive. When a discrepancy between thetriple test components occurs, further investigation is mandatory.This may include excision biopsy.
However, if clinical mass, but normal tissue and no discrete lesion at Imaging:
• If consistent with clinical findings reassure & return to normal screening (in this case GP thinks its related to HRT, so likely concordant)
• If inconsistent needs biopsy (&/or referral to breast surgeon)

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5
Q

Regarding breast imaging, which is most correct:

a. fat necrosis can present as speculated mass and architectural distortion.
b. lobular carcinoma most commonly presents as mass
c. lobular carcinoma most commony presents with mass and calc

A

• A = T fat necrosis commonly spiculated & distorted
• B = T lobular carcinoma = spiculated mass (most common) on mammography (StatDx); Cardenosa says 40% present as spiculated mass (most common); no calcifications
Radiopedia agrees, most common mammographic feature of ILC is spiculated mass.

Lobular carcinoma (StatDx)

• Size underestimated on mammography and US
• Imaging appearance:
o Spiculated mass (most common) on mammography
o Isolated architectural distortion
o New focal asymmetry, often seen only on CC view o Calcifications rare (1-11%)
• 52% sensitivity on mammography (range 34-72%) o Difficult to detect mammographically due to insidious growth pattern
• Commonly multifocal or multicentric
• Increased rate of contralateral cancer
• Often coexists with LCIS and ALH

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6
Q

Patient dx with phyllodes. Next best management.

a. simple excision
b. wide local excision
c. mastectomy
d. follow up

A

ANS = B WLE required with margin ≥ 1cm; if very large mastectomy; do not need axillary node dissection (stromal tumour, nodes uncommon)

Phylloides - Fine needle aspiration is inaccurate, and even core biopsy has moderate sensitivity due to tumour heterogeneity causing inadequate sampling
Ultrasound General sonographic features are non-specific and can mimic that of a fibroadenoma 7.

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7
Q

Regarding ruptured internal breast implant:

a. on u/s snow storm
b. reliably dx on u/s
c. reliable dx on mammo
d. reliatbly dx on MRI
e. on MRI appears as gentle folds

A

• D = T MRI most accurate for implant integrity

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8
Q

Regarding screen. Which is true:

a. annual screen picks up more cancer than bi annual screen
b. screening with mammogram and u/s decreases Ca mortality.
c. screening with mammogram decreased mortality.

A

c. screening with mammogram decreased mortality.

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9
Q

Re DCIS:

a. can present as branching 1mm micro calcs
b. can present as coarse calc
c. can present as mass

A

C = T 10% of DCIS present as a mass

*LW:
Wording is difficult in this one:
A: branching 1mm micro calcs, is not specific BIRADS lexicon, but this would imply course heterogenous on size, and branching which is suspicious, thus could represent DCIS.

B: coarse calcification: non specific by itself, if stated “course heterogenous” this is deemed intermediate risk and can represent low grade DCIS.

C: agree this is true in that upto 10% can present as a mass.

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10
Q

regarding medullary/colloic ca

a. a/w dcis in 75%
b. rarely palpable
c. speculated mass
d. rarely seen on U/s

A

Not sure? Bad recall – medullary vs mucinous/colloid cancer (2 different types)
• A = F for medullary & mucinous (Cardenosa p302 – low-grade DCIS may be found adjacent to mucinous Ca, but is not a prominent component of these lesions)
• B = F often palpable masses
• C = F usually not spiculated – usually rounded masses with circumscribed to ill-defined margins
• D = F rounded hypoechoic mass +/- posterior enhancement

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11
Q
  1. A 53 year old woman presents with a clinically suspected breast implant rupture. Which of the following is the NEXT MOST APPROPRIATE:
    a. Clinical examination
    b. Mammogram including push back views
    c. US examination
    d. MR examination
    e. Imaging guided biopsy
A

d. MR examination T MRI is the most accurate imaging examination for the evaluation of silicone implant rupture (although may only need mammo if saline implantAJR 1993 – MR more sensitive & specific than mammo, CT & USBJR 2008 (RE single lumen implants) – mammography of “little value”; US “can be useful”; MRI is “gold standard” with a sensitivity of 89% & specificity of 97% for assessing possible rupture

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12
Q
  1. If proven BRCA1 mutation, what is most likely to develop in the way of breast cancers?
    a. Mucinous
    b. Medullary
    c. Invasive ductal
    d. Invasive lobular
A

b. Medullary
Among cancers arising in BRCA1 carriers, 13% are of medullary type, and up to 60% have a subset of medullary features. Although, the majority of medullary carcinomas are not associated with germline BRCA1 mutations, hypermethylation of the BRCA1 promoter is observed in 67% of medullary carcinomas, suggesting an association of this morphology with underlying gene expression (Robbins p1087)BRCA1-associated breast cancers are commonly poorly differentiated, have “medullary features” (a syncytial growth pattern with pushing margins and a lymphocytic response), and do not express hormone receptors or overexpress HER2/neu (the so-called “triple negative” phenotype). Their gene profiling signature is very similar to basal-like breast cancers, a distinct molecular subtype that is discussed later. BRCA1 cancers are also frequently associated with loss of the inactive X chromosome and reduplication of the active X, resulting in the absence of the Barr body.[25] BRCA2-associated breast carcinomas also tend to be relatively poorly differentiated, but are more often ER positive than BRCA1 cancers.

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13
Q
  1. 55 year old female with a left breast mass. Mammography demonstrates a fat density mass. Appropriate further management:
    a. Reassure
    b. MRI with contrast
    c. US with core biopsy
    d. Surgical excision
    e. Follow up mammography at 3, 6 and 12 months
A
a.	Reassure T
Radiolucent (fatty)
•	Lipoma
•	Oil cyst
•	Galactocele 

Fat containing lesions

  • lipoma
  • oil cyst
  • galatocele
  • lymph node
  • harmatoma
Radiolucent mixed
•	Hamartoma (fibroadenolipoma)
•	Galactocele 
•	Lymph node
•	Haematoma
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14
Q
  1. 52 year-old female has a breast mass containing calcifications. 12 x 14 gauge core biopsies containing calcifications on specimen mammography. Pathologist report states consistent with fibrocystic change without comment on calcifications.
    a. Repeat biopsy
    b. Surgical excision
    c. Mammography at 3/12
    d. Mammography at 6/12
    e. Repeat pathology assessment of initial biopsy specimens
A

e. Repeat pathology assessment of initial biopsy specimens
Breast fine needle aspiration cytology and core biopsy: a guide for practice (NBCC, Australia)Core biopsy pathology must be correlated with the clinical and imaging findings, and the results later reviewed in conjunction with associated surgical pathology or clinical and imaging findings.
Pathologic report must include:
o a brief microscopic description of the tissue received
o description of any abnormal findings, both benign and malignant
o indication of the presence or absence of microcalcifications of sufficient size to be radiologically detected and their correlation with the specimen radiograph.
Calcifications of > 100-µ assessed histologically are not visible on core biopsy specimen radiographs and may not represent the mammographically detected calcificationo findings should be correlated with the clinical and imaging findings. Note that lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) are incidental findings and are not usually detected on imaging.

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15
Q
  1. Radial scar on biopsy
    a. Hookwire & open biopsy
    b. Hookwire & breast conservation
    c. Mastectomy
A

a. Hookwire & open biopsy T
Radial scar, or complex sclerosing lesion, is a rosette-like proliferative breast lesion. It is not related to surgical scarring. Some authors, however, reserve the latter term to lesions over 1 cm 5. It is an idiopathic process with sclerosing ductal hyperplasia. Its significance is that it is a mimicker of scirrhous breast carcinoma. Although some classical differential descriptions exist (see below), these cannot be relied on, and the diagnosis must not be made on radiological features alone. Furthermore, there is an association with atypical ductal hyperplasia and carcinoma.
Epidemiology
The reported prevalence of radial scars is 0.1-2.0 per 1,000 screening mammograms. Radial scar is very rare in women younger than 40 years and older than 60 years. Most often in women between 41-60 years 12-13 . Clinical presentation
They are usually not palpable. Clinical examination of the breast containing regions of radial scar is often normal, although in about 25% of cases radial scars can be palpable. They do not cause skin thickening or retraction. Lesions are usually small and detected by mammography when they are at least 5 mm in size. Lesions <1 cm are called radial scars, while larger ones are often referred to as complex or radial sclerosing lesions. PathologyA radial scar is a benign hyperplastic proliferative disease of the breast. Proposed possible causes include localized inflammatory reaction and chronic ischaemia with subsequent slow infarction.Histopathologically radial scars contain hyperplastic tissue cells and a central fibrous core, with radial extension of tubular structures (the spiculated peripheral borders), mimicking infiltrating carcinoma. This tubular formation has two rows of cells, epithelial and myoepithelial 9-10. The malignant potential is two times greater than in the normal population without radial scar 11-12.
Associations
In approximately 30% of cases, a radial scar is associated with ductal carcinoma in situ and tubular carcinoma of the breast. The occurrence of these is higher when there is associated atypia on histology.
Other associations include 4:
atypical ductal hyperplasiaatypical lobular hyperplasia
Radiographic features
Mammography A radial scar has a spiculated appearance similar to carcinoma, but the centre tends to be a translucent, low-density area rather than a mass. The breast tissue behind the lesion is almost visible through the lesion. The relatively low density of the centre is a relevant and visible difference between carcinoma and a radial scar.A carcinoma tends to have a dense centre. With radial scars there is no dense centre; in fact, the lesion is usually as dense centrally as peripherally. There is no “attempt” at forming a mass in a radial scar.The spicules running from the centre are in general longer and gracile than those of a carcinoma (look at the image in Case 1 and 2 thoughtfully. These are representative images).The spicules are described as long and thin with radiating radiolucent linear structures, which against a radiolucent fat background gives a black star or dark star appearance 6. Microcalcifications are possible but rare in a radial scar. However, unlike a carcinoma, features such as skin thickening and retraction are characteristically absent 2. There is no visible scirrhous reaction in the radial scar.Its mammographic appearance is also similar to a post-surgical breast scar and can vary markedly with differing projections (i.e. CC vs MLO).UltrasoundOn ultrasound, a radial scar is often ill-defined and disturbs the architecture of surrounding breast parenchyma. The lesion is usually round, oval or lobulated. Variable internal echoes can be found. Some radial scars show retro-acoustic attenuation. MRIFeatures are replicated as described in the aforementioned modalities. There will be spiculation and archiectural distortion. Non-enhancement of the lesion favours a benign process. Enhancement suggests an underlying malignancy.Treatment and prognosisA radial scar is considered a high-risk breast lesion and histological differentiation from associated carcinoma is required. FNA and core biopsies can underestimate the underlying associated malignancy and are controversial. The lesions are biopsied and removed.Differential diagnosisDifferential considerations for mammographic appearances include:breast cancer: a central mass tends to form. The spicules are shorter and thicker and there is retraction of the parenchyma; however sometimes the invasive lobular carcinoma, due to lack of the E-cadherin and diffuse infiltration of the tumour cells, it can be impossible to distinguish it from radial scar post-surgical breast scar: in practice this is rarely if ever a source of confusion; it is really rare to find post-surgical scarring with such long spicules as a radial scar and you also have the history on the technologist notes and if all else fails, the scar on the patient’s skin

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16
Q
  1. Tubular breast carcinoma
    a. 70% 5 year survival
    b. Palpable
A

b. Palpable T/F Most lesions detected on screening mammography. 30-40% of patients present with a palpable mass. (StatDx)
6. Tubular breast carcinoma (Cardenosa p298)
a. 70% 5 year survival F 95-98% five-year survival (StatDx)

b. Palpable T/F Most lesions detected on screening mammography. 30-40% of patients present with a palpable mass.
(StatDx)
- Tubular/cribriform (6%) –
o Younger women (late 40s)
o Best differentiated – best prognosis
o Small irregular densities (stellates)
o Consist exclusively of well-formed tubules without myoepithelial layer
o Associated amorphous or pleomorphic microcalcifications (Ca++) in up to 50%

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17
Q
  1. Which isn’t a mass at mammography?
    a. Lobular carcinoma
    b. Medullary carcinoma
    c. Mucinous carcinoma
    d. Other answer not recalled
A

d. Other answer not recalled

  1. Which isn’t a mass at mammography?
    a. Lobular carcinoma T spiculated mass (most common) on mammography (StatDx); Cardenosa says 40% present as spiculated mass (most common); no calcifications (StatDx says calcifications rare)

b. Medullary carcinoma T round-oval, circumscribed or ill-defined mass
c. Mucinous carcinoma T round-oval, circumscribed or ill-defined mass
d. Other answer not recalled

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18
Q

1) 40yo female with hx node positive breast Ca. Constant right shoulder pain for 2 weeks. Normal Xray. Best next examination:
i) Repeat xray 10 days
ii) US
iii) Bone scan
iv) CT
v) MRI

A

iii) Bone scan

WA imaging guideline- suspect bone met-> bone scan-> x-ray +/- targeted CT of hot spot

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19
Q

Invasive ductal carcinoma. True.

a. account for 50% of detected cancer
b. may appear hyper echoic on U/S
c. may appear as coarse calcification on u/s
d. is negative on FDG PET
e. typically slow moderate enhancement on MRI

A

*LW: would favour incomplete recall with words used in question stems, as all are technically wrong:
Options A and B and become correct with changes in answer wording….

a. Account for 50% of detected cancer = F = invasive cancer is 70-85% of detected cancer (remainder is in-situ disease), of which 80% is IDC = 56-68% of all breast cancers are IDC (StatDx says 65-80% of all breast cancers) (the least false answer!)
12. Invasive ductal carcinoma. True.
a. Account for 50% of detected cancer = F = invasive cancer is 70-85% of detected cancer (remainder is in-situ disease), of which 80% is IDC = 56-68% of all breast cancers are IDC (StatDx says 65-80% of all breast cancers) (the least false answer!)
b. May appear hyperechoic on US = F usually hypoechoic, may have thick hyperechoic rim SG thinks this is probably most correct.
c. May appear as coarse calcification on US= F
d. Is negative on FDG PET = F – usually high uptake, but well-differentiated IDC & lobular cancers can have lower FDG uptake (StatDx). FDG-PET also insensitive to tumours < 2cm.
e. Typically slow moderate enhancement on MRI breast = F – rapid uptake, washes out

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20
Q

Breast papillary carcinoma.

a. well circumscribed on mamma. hyperechoic
b. well ccircumscribed on mamma with anechoic area
c. speculated on mamma
d. mammo seen as duct ectasia??
e. enhance moderately and slowly on MRI

A

b. Well circumscribed on mammo with anechoic areas T best answer
23. Breast papillary carcinoma
a. Well circumscribed on mammo. Hyperechoic F well-circumscribed subareolar mass, but complex cystic mass with variable solid component at US
b. Well circumscribed on mammo with anechoic areas T best answer
c. Spiculated on mammo F
d. Mammo seen as duct ectasia (?) F
e. Enhances moderately & slowly on MRI. F variable appearance & enhancement – heterogeneous if solid, mural/nodular enhancement if intracysticDefinition of

Intracystic papillary carcinoma:Encapsulated carcinoma with papillary architecture consisting of papillae with fibrovascular cores within single circumscribed cystic space; lacks myoepithelial layer, but clinical behavior parallels in situ carcinomai.e papillary DCISSpectrum:Benign papillomaLarge duct papillomaSmaller, intraductal mass on USSingle or multiple circumscribed massesIndistinct margin suggests invasive componentAtypical papillomaAtypical cytology, or focal areas within papilloma fulfill criteria for atypical ductal hyperplasiaLobulated mass ± Ca++Sclerosing papillomaPseudoinvasive growth pattern; can be mistaken for carcinoma on histopathologyPapillary DCIS (intracystic papillary carcinoma)Involves multiple ductal spacesDCIS that partially involves papillomaMyoepithelial cells presentSolid papillary carcinomaMultiple nodules rather than single dilated space~ 2/3 are positive for neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin or synaptophysin)

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21
Q

Screening mammo. t/f

a. single reader pick up rate same as dual reader
b. single reader + CAD pick up same rate as dual reader
c. single reader + CAD same accuracy in architectural distortion
d. single reader + CAD same accuracy in micro calcification.
e. single reader + CAD same accuracy in mass

A

true : b, d, e

  1. Screening mammo
    a. Single reader pick up rate same as dual reader F

b. Single reader + Computer aided detection pick up same cancer as dual reader T if referring to numbers, but do have different strengths/weaknesses & thus may not pick the same “cancer”
c. Single reader + CAD same accuracy in architectural distortion F CAD struggles with architectural distortion
d. Single reader + CAD same accuracy in microcalcification T as good for mass and microcalcification as double reading
e. Single reader + CAD same accuracy in mass TCAD primarily for screening: Does not process spot compression or magnification viewsFactors affecting CAD performanceSensitivity for malignant Ca++ averages 97%; masses (without Ca++): 52-98%; lower for architectural distortion: 33-75%; radiologist ignores marksCAD false-positives: Vascular Ca++, pectoral muscle, postsurgical scars, benign masses1 helpful (true positive) CAD mark per 2,000-20,000 false-positive marks; less benefit to specialistsLack of CAD mark should not deter work-up of suspicious finding(s), esp. developing asymmetries and distortions

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22
Q

DCIS

a. on mammography can look branching lucent centred calcification
b. can look like a mass on mammography
c. on ultrasound can look like a mixed echogenic mass
d. may be heavily calcified

A

b. Can look like a mass on mammography T Mass with Ca++ 10%; mass alone 10%94.

DCIS
a. On mammography can look branching lucent centred calcifications F form inside the ducts – may be fine linear or branching (high-grade), pleomorphic or amorphous (low-grade) – sounds more like the ‘cigar’ calcifications of duct ectasia (plasma cell mastitis)

b. Can look like a mass on mammography T Mass with Ca++ 10%; mass alone 10%
c. On ultrasound can look like a mixed echogenicity mass F May be visible as hypoechoic mass ± Ca++
d. May be heavily calcified F

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23
Q
  1. Women present to GP with self detected lump. Mammo and US normal. GP says can feel the lump. (repeat)
    a. Follow up mammogram in 3 mo
    b. Percutaneous biopsy
    c. MRI breast
    d. Back to screening
    e. Surgery
A

*LW:
Preferred option is D: back to screening

**LJS - triple test not satisfied, , needs further investigation. Problem solving tools include MRI and referral to surgeon on clinical grounds, they may biopsy by palpation.

Following ACR guidelines:
(https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(17)30216-8/fulltext#dfig2)
Negative diagnostic Mammograms and negative US –> BIRADS 1 that sucker, and back to screening / back to referrer or surgeon for clinical follow up.

Short term follow up requires BIRADS 3 features (none of which are stated)
Nothing to biopsy
Nothing to operate on.

Following quick Lit review, most studies say in the above clinical context MRI would not be recommended.

“Breast MRI to evaluate palpable abnormalities after negative mammography and ultrasound results in a low yield for malignancy. The majority of patients (67.7%) had negative MRI examinations, and there were no malignancies detected. Our findings lead us to believe that there are no data to encourage the use of MRI in patients with palpable abnormalities and negative mammographic and/or ultrasound studies.”
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/tbj.13793

Previous answers:
I think it is MR -25. Women present to GP with self detected lump. Mammo and US normal. GP says can feel the lump. (repeat)
a. Follow up mammogram in 3 mo - F
b. Percutaneous biopsy - F - nothing to biopsy
c. MRI breast ?T may find lesions occult on mammo & US
d. Back to screening - F
e. Surgery - F

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24
Q
  1. Regarding breast calcifications, which is FALSE?
    a. Microcalcifications are a feature of sclerosing adenosis
    b. Coarse calcifications is a feature of fibroadenoma
    c. Irregular branching rods are a typical manifestation of ductal carcinoma in situ
    d. Calcification is commonly seen in a hamartoma
    e. A coarse rod with a lucent centre is seen in secretory disease
A
  • LW: think both options C and D are incorrect based on wording provided.
    d. Calcification is commonly seen in a hamartoma F? breast within a breast – fat and soft tissue density; StatDx - Benign appearing calcifications may be present; not ‘common’ though. RG 1999 – “coarse dystrophic or punctate calcifications are rarely seen”.1.

Regarding breast calcifications, which is FALSE? (SK/NT)

a. Microcalcifications are a feature of sclerosing adenosis T Microcalcifications found in 47%; Clustered or scattered, amorphous ± punctate. Cardenosa p351,
b. Coarse calcifications is a feature of fibroadenoma T

c. Irregular branching rods are a typical manifestation of ductal carcinoma in situ F? rod-shaped ≥ 1mm calcifications = duct ectasia (plasma cell mastitis) “secretory calcifications”, but should have a ‘smooth border’. High-grade DCIS has pleomorphic, linear, branching, casting-type microcalcifications; should be < 0.5mm.
* LW: the use of the term rods is kinda synonomous with plasma cell mastatis, while suspicous calc patterns include: amorphous, course heterogenous, fine pleomorphic and fine linear / fine linear branching, so I think this option is also incorrect.

d. Calcification is commonly seen in a hamartoma F? breast within a breast – fat and soft tissue density; StatDx - Benign appearing calcifications may be present; not ‘common’ though. RG 1999 – “coarse dystrophic or punctate calcifications are rarely seen”.
e. A coarse rod with a lucent centre is seen in secretory disease T

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25
Q
  1. Mammography, which of the following statements are TRUE?

a. Optimally exposed image demonstrates a visible skin line under normal viewing conditions
b. Pectoral edge shadow on the oblique should not extend as low as the nipple
c. The subareolar region is the most common region in which to miss cancer
d. Current accepted practice in Australia is a one-view screening study and a two-view diagnostic study.
e. Medial lesion is projected more inferiorly on the oblique than on the lateral

A

e. Medial lesion is projected more inferiorly on the oblique than on the lateral T “Muffins rise, Lead sinks” – if the mass moves up from the MLO to the lateral view, the lesion is in the medial half of the breast2.

Mammography, which of the following statements are TRUE?

a. Optimally exposed image demonstrates a visible skin line under normal viewing conditions F the ideal exposure (film-screen) will require a bright light to visualize the skin line – although with new CR/DR can usually see skin also
b. Pectoral edge shadow on the oblique should not extend as low as the nipple F on the MLO view pectoral muscle should be seen to the level of the nipple
c. The subareolar region is the most common region in which to miss cancer ?F
d. Current accepted practice in Australia is a one-view screening study and a two-view diagnostic study. F
e. Medial lesion is projected more inferiorly on the oblique than on the lateral T “Muffins rise, Lead sinks” – if the mass moves up from the MLO to the lateral view, the lesion is in the medial half of the breast

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26
Q
  1. With regard to management papillary tumours of the breast, which of the following is most correct?
    a. An intracystic papillary mass with benign cytology should be managed conservatively
    b. An intracystic papillary mass with benign cytology is often malignant
    c. An intracystic papillary mass with benign cytology has a poor prognosis
    d. An intracystic papillary mass with benign cytology should be core biopsied
    e. An intracystic papillary mass with benign cytology should be surgically removed
A

e. An intracystic papillary mass with benign cytology should be surgically removed T

Fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy may be unable to distinguish between in situ and invasive papillary lesions because the center of the lesion is often targeted, and invasion is often identified at the periphery of the tumor. Therefore, in general, excision is suggested when papillary lesions are suspected or diagnosed at fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy. AJR 2003; 181:186.The results strongly suggest that papillary lesions diagnosed as benign at core-needle biopsy should be surgically excised because a substantial number of lesions were upgraded to ADH and DCIS at excision.March 2006 Radiology, 238, 801-808.The accuracy of FNAC in diagnosing papillary lesions and differentiating benign and malignant papillary lesions is low [20]. Among the aspirates diagnosed as atypical, intraductal papilloma represents about 6% [21]. To date, there have been no well-defined cytological criteria to differentiate between benign and malignant papillary lesions. Their significant overlap in terms of architecture and cytological atypia is the primary reasons for not differentiating them cytologically.Pathology Research International. Volume 2011 (2011)

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27
Q
  1. Which of the following statements regarding breast calcification is TRUE?
    a. Breast cysts often have curvilinear calcification in their walls
    b. Grouped microcalcifications are a prominent feature of cystadenoma phylloides
    c. Grouped microcalcifications are a prominent feature of medullary carcinoma
    d. Skin calcification is most commonly seen in the upper outer quadrant of the breast
    e. Microcalcification is a feature of sclerosing adenosis.
A

LJS edit: rim/eggshell calcification of cysts is uncommon - much more likely in oil cysts (statdx). I would answer E

*LW: agree with above: option E is preferred answer

a and ethey prefer E
e. Microcalcification is a feature of sclerosing adenosis. T Microcalcifications found in 47%; Clustered or scattered, amorphous ± punctate

  1. Which of the following statements regarding breast calcification is TRUE?
    a. Breast cysts often have curvilinear calcification in their walls T Rim or eggshell calcification (Ca++) in cyst wall (StatDx)
    b. Grouped microcalcifications are a prominent feature of cystadenoma phylloides F no such pathology as “cystadenoma phyllodes” – maybe they mean the old term for phyllodes tumour “Cystosarcoma phyllodes”. Even then, Ca++ rare, can be large, chunky.
    c. Grouped microcalcifications are a prominent feature of medullary carcinoma F
    d. Skin calcification is most commonly seen in the upper outer quadrant of the breast F Most commonly along inframammary fold, parasternally, axilla & areola
    e. Microcalcification is a feature of sclerosing adenosis. T Microcalcifications found in 47%; Clustered or scattered, amorphous ± punctate
28
Q
  1. Phone call from GP about 55yo lady with indeterminate US and mammogram. GP is concerned as there is palpable breast mass. FNA report shows benign histology. What advice would you provide to GP?
    a. Refer for core Bx
    b. Surgical excisional Bx
    c. Follow up mammogram and US in 3/12
    d. 2yr mammographic follow up
    e. Reassure GP
A

a. Refer for core biopsy T if the FNA results don’t correlate with the clinical suspicion, should have a core or excisional biopsy. Ie suspicious by clinical breast examination. Triple Test: If any of radiology, pathology, clinical are abnormal – need further workup.
5. Phone call from GP about 55yo lady with indeterminate US and mammogram. GP is concerned as there is palpable breast mass. FNA report shows benign histology. What advice would you provide to GP?
a. Refer for core biopsy T if the FNA results don’t correlate with the clinical suspicion, should have a core or excisional biopsy. Ie suspicious by clinical breast examination. Triple Test: If any of radiology, pathology, clinical are abnormal – need further workup.
b. Surgical excisional biopsy T also correct, but probably better to do core first. If core comes back benign, will need excision biopsy.
c. Follow up mammogram and US in 3/12 F
d. 2yr mammographic follow up F

e. Reassure GP FAccording to NBCC (AU):
• Core biopsy is indicated for “further evaluation of a benign cytological pattern in the presence of a suspicious lesion on imaging”
• When a discrepancy between the triple test components occurs, further investigation is mandatory. This may include excision biopsy.

29
Q
  1. Breast US, which is MOST CORRECT about artifacts when using a linear arrary transducer without compound scan technology applied
    a. Refraction artifact commonly seen at margin of cysts
    b. Refraction artifact commonly seen at margin of irregular masses
    c. Shadowing artifact is consistently seen with any calcification
    d. Shadowing artifact consistently seen with most fibrous tissues
A

a. Refraction artifact commonly seen at margin of cysts
T

Although acoustic shadowing identified behind a mass is suggestive of malignancy [5], a thin line of shadowing seen only behind the peripheral edge of a mass should not be mistaken for a suspicious feature. This edge shadowing—caused by the complex combination of absorption and refraction along the mass border [6]—can be seen with cysts and benign or malignant solid masses and has no diagnostic significance. (AJR 5/01)Refraction artifact can occur when a transmitted ultrasound pulse strikes an interface at a non-perpendicular angle. The difference in propagation speeds between the two tissues can cause refraction to occur. Should the refracted incident sound wave strike a reflector and cause an echo to return to the transducer, this may be displayed at an incorrect location as the transducer assumes all echoes have travelled along a direct path.Refraction artifact should resolve if the transducer is moved such that the incident pulse is perpendicular to the interface.

30
Q
  1. GP calls re: 55yo woman with normal mammograms and US indeterminate mass. Core Bx of the mass reported as fibrous tissue. CT thinks definite lump on palpation and is concerned. What advice do you give?
    a. Repeat imaging 3/12
    b. Refer for routine bi-annual screening mammography
    c. Refer for breast MRI
    d. Refer for open Bx of mass
    e. Reassure GP and patient that no further action required
A

d. Refer for open Bx of mass T

*LW: Has gone through appropriate pathway of palpable mass with normal mammo –> US which showed indeterminate mass –> core biopsy that sucker.
Based on tripple test, clinical concern from GP and US findings indeterminate, open Bx required.

31
Q
  1. Phonecall from GP about a 55 year old lady with a palpable breast lump. Normal USS and mammogram. Imaging is checked and confirmed as normal, but GP worried about lump. What advice should you give?
  2. Reassure GP and patient
  3. Refer for core biopsy
  4. Refer for breast MRI
  5. 3 month mammogram
  6. Return to 2 year mammogram
A

*LW: as above:
Following ACR guidelines (https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(17)30216-8/fulltext#dfig2)

**LJS - core bx

Palpable mass female > 40yrs –> negative diagnostic mammo –> negative US –> BIRADS 1, and referred back to GP or surgeon for clinical evaluation.

The clause could be in the situation where the GP has clinical risk factors that are making them concerned (not listed in question), then could fall back on triple test principle, and realistically breast surgeon review and MRI.

Previous answers:
3.Refer for breast MRI - ?T Some people said refer for core biopsy. But you can’t core if you can’t see it on imaging. Otherwise it’s a blind core biopsy.

  1. Phonecall from GP about a 55 year old lady with a palpable breast lump. Normal USS and mammogram. Imaging is checked and confirmed as normal, but GP worried about lump. What advice should you give? (JS/SK,KB)
  2. Reassure GP and patient - F
  3. Refer for core biopsy - T - using triple test, if there is clinical suspicion, negative imaging findings should not stop you from doing a biopsy. But what do you target?
  4. Refer for breast MRI - ?T
  5. 3 month mammogram - F
  6. Return to 2 year mammogram - F When a discrepancy between the triple test components occurs, further investigation is mandatory. This may include excision biopsy. Can’t find much on this RE MRI. Ultimately they need tissue, but not sure how you core it without a target
32
Q
  1. Breast mammography. Which is most correct?
  2. Lobular cancers are stellate
  3. Lobular cancers are well defined.
  4. Fat necrosis may be stellate
  5. Mucinous tumours may be stellate
  6. Papillary tumours are usually large and aggressive
A
  1. Fat necrosis may be stellate - T
  2. Breast mammography. Which is most correct? (JS)
  3. Lobular cancers are stellate – F? – spiculated mass is the most common finding (40%), can also cause asymmetric density, architectural distortion, diffuse breast changes or round mass or may only be seen on one view (Cardenosa p358)
  4. Lobular cancers are well defined - F - see above (Cardenosa – 11% present as relatively well-circumscribed mass)
  5. Fat necrosis may be stellate - T
  6. Mucinous tumours may be stellate - F - can cause a well defined density
  7. Papillary tumours are usually large and aggressive - F - rare and with a better prognosis that IDC
33
Q
  1. Single indeterminate breast mass on ultrasound. Normal on FNA C. The most appropriate next step is
  2. MRI
  3. Core biopsy
  4. Ultrasound follow-up
  5. Mammographic follow-up
A

2.Core biopsy - T - “normal breast tissue” should not be accepted as representative when the patient has a discrete lump. Needle biopsy is mandatory for all abnormalities classified as probably benign or suspicious.

34
Q
  1. Palpable mass is breast. Normal ultrasound and mammogram The next most appropriate investigation is
  2. Repeat the mammogram in three months
  3. Follow up
  4. MRI
  5. Biopsy
A

*LW:
Worryingly this question keeps re occurring, with dubious answers that can be argued either way based on different literature:
As above: ACR guidelines (https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(17)30216-8/fulltext#dfig2)

**LJS - ultimately needs bx. ?In reality would be performed on palpation by surgeon. Breast MRI is an option but not very specific, still need bx under triple test.

Palpable mass female > 40yrs –> negative diagnostic mammo –> negative US –> BIRADS 1, and referred back to GP or surgeon for clinical evaluation.

Clinical clause would be if stated clinical conerning features / risk factors, then would be breast surgeon refer and MRI.

Previous answer:
3.MRI - ?T - Dahnert says “palpable mass + negative mammo and sonogram = indication for MRI.

35
Q
  1. Which of the following is the most correct regarding digital mammography versus film screen mammography?
  2. Recall rate has decreased with digital mammography
  3. Digital mammography is 20 – 40 % more sensitive
A
  1. Recall rate has decreased with digital mammography - F - An earlier study by Lewin et al showed a significantly lower recall rate for FFDM (full field digital mammo), however a 2004 Radiology prospective study showed a significantly higher recall rate for FFDM in age groups 45-49yo and 50-69yo. 2009 Radiology article says “recall rates were significantly higher in the FFDM group than the SFM (screen film mammo) group in two, of the three studies that found higher FFDM detectaion rates, whereas recall rates in our study were very similar for the 2 modalities”
  2. Digital mammography is 20-40 % more sensitive - ?T - full-field digital mammo (FFDM) may offer a small screening advantage in women younger than 50yo, esp those with dense breasts. Several studies have found little difference in cancer detection rates b/w digital and film (largest study ~50 000 patients). Oslo II study found rate of BrCa detection (24 000 pts) in women 45-69 was significantly higher for full field mammo. Overall detection rates 0.59% (digital) and 0.38% (screen-film (SFM)(approx 40% relative)).
36
Q
  1. Single reader versus dual reader for breast screening. Which is the most correct?
  2. Higher recall rate for dual readers
  3. Single reader plus CAD (computer assisted detection) is less sensitive than dual reader system
  4. Single reader plus CAD (computer assisted detection) is as sensitive as a dual reader system
  5. Single reader screening can reduce mortality
A
  1. Higher recall rate for dual readers - T (TW,GC) - recall rates for double read / double read + 3rd umpire reduced recall rates and improved detection. Recall rates for CAD were slightly but significantly higher. AJR 2008.
  2. Single reader plus CAD (computer assisted detection) is as sensitive as a dual reader system – T (SK) – AJR 2008: single + CAD showed a small but not statistically significant increase in detection rate and lower recall rate. JMIRO 2004 – increased recall rate with CAD. A randomized controlled trial comparing both in 31,000 English women showed cancer detection rates for single reading with CAD were similar to those for double reading (NEJM 2008).
  3. Single reader versus dual reader for breast screening. Which is the most correct? (TW, GC)
  4. Higher recall rate for dual readers - T (TW,GC) - recall rates for double read / double read + 3rd umpire reduced recall rates and improved detection. Recall rates for CAD were slightly but significantly higher. AJR 2008.
  5. Single reader plus CAD (computer assisted detection) is less sensitive than dual reader system – T (F) - Eur J Cancer 2008: CAD does not have significant effect on cancer detection rate and increases recall rate. The evidence is that double reading with arbitration enhances screening is stronger than that of single reading with CAD.
  6. Single reader plus CAD (computer assisted detection) is as sensitive as a dual reader system – T (SK) – AJR 2008: single + CAD showed a small but not statistically significant increase in detection rate and lower recall rate. JMIRO 2004 – increased recall rate with CAD. A randomized controlled trial comparing both in 31,000 English women showed cancer detection rates for single reading with CAD were similar to those for double reading (NEJM 2008).
  7. Single reader screening can reduce mortality - F CAD:Sensitivity for malignant Ca++ averages 97%; masses (without Ca++): 52-98%; lower for architectural distortion: 33-75%; radiologist ignores marksDouble reading: ↑ cancer detection by 0.3-1.0 per 1,000; absolute ↑ recall rate: 1.5-3%
37
Q

8.Small microcalcifications on mammography. Biopsy shows atypical ductal hyperplasia. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?

  1. No further investigation required
  2. Follow-up mammogram
  3. MRI
  4. Surgical biopsy
A

4.Surgical biopsy - T - Atypical ductal hyperplasia and Atypical lobular hyperplasia require excisional Bx to confirm the Dx. Atypical hyperplasia is a specific lesion of either ductal or lobular elements with uniform cells and loss of the apical-basal cellular orientation. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer assoc with AH ranges from 3x to 6x (UTD). Also, depending on appearance of the microCa+ may be BI-RADS 4. (Cardenosa

38
Q
  1. 30 year old female with strong family history of breast cancer. The relative affected at the earliest age was 40 years old. The most appropriate next step is
  2. MRI annually from 30 years of age
  3. Annual mammogram from 30 years of age
  4. Annual mammogram from 40 years of age
  5. Routine screening
  6. MRI and ultrasound annually from 30 years of age
A

LJS edit - no role for additional USS if screening high risk woman with MRI - statdx. In NZ/Australia there is no standard high risk screening pathway, surveillance plan is personalised to the pt/risks. USA do MRI and MG annually for high risk. I think 1. is the best answer

  1. MRI annually from 30 years of age
  2. 30 year old female with strong family history of breast cancer. The relative affected at the earliest age was 40 years old. The most appropriate next step is (TW)
  3. MRI annually from 30 years of age – T (SK) - if she was BRCA positive the UTD recommendations (from USA) are annual MRI and annual mammograms plus a bunch of self examination and clinical examination.
  4. Annual mammogram from 30 years of age
  5. Annual mammogram from 40 years of age - F - if this was ‘biannual’ would possibly be more correct - see option 4.
  6. Routine screening – T (TW) - doesn’t fit into ‘high-risk’ category (see below). 9 out of 10 people who develop breast cancer have no family Hx. Would advise routine screening to start, with option if she wanted to commence screening at 40yo (ie biannual - hence option 3. incorrect) if she wanted. Continue with self examination etc. Breastscreen: “screening is most effective in detecting early breast cancer in women 50-69yo. .. evidence benefit not strong enough to encourage all women in 40-49y age group to have regular screening”
  7. MRI and ultrasound annually from 30 years of age BRCA 1 and 2 risk:About 12% of women in the general population will develop breast cancer sometime during their lives (1). By contrast, a recent large study estimated that about 72% of women who inherit a harmful BRCA1 mutation and about 69% of women who inherit a harmful BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by the age of 80 (2).Australia cancer recommendation 2018:It is recommended that women of all ages, and regardless of whether they attend mammographic screening, are aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and report any new or unusual changes promptly to their general practitioner.No one method for women to use when checking their breasts is recommended over another.It is recommended to reduce the risk of death due to breast cancer that women aged 50–74 years attend the BreastScreen Australia Program for free two-yearly screening mammograms having considered the benefits and downsides.Mammographic screening is not recommended for women younger than 40 years of age.Women aged 40–49 years and 75 years and over are eligible to receive free screening mammograms through the BreastScreen Australia Program but they do not receive an invitation to attend. In deciding whether to attend for screening mammography, women in these age groups should balance the potential benefits and downsides for them.For women of all ages who are at increased risk† of developing breast cancer it is recommended that an individualised surveillance program be developed in consultation with the woman’s general practitioner and/or specialist.
39
Q
  1. Which is true
  2. Less than 30% of lobular carcinomas are well defined
  3. Excluding trauma, 40-50% of stellate lesions will be malignant
  4. Papillary carcinomas are aggressive and develop rapidly
  5. Mucinous / colloid carcinoma is the fastest growing breast cancer
A
  1. Less than 30% of lobular carcinomas are well defined - T - round / ovoid mass with regular borders 1%. Architectural distortion most common mammo finding (18-30%). ILCs 2nd most common type of invasive breast Ca. Higher frequency of bilaterality (10%) and multicentricity (30%) than IDCs (Robbins 2010: now thought to have contralateral incidence of 5-10%, similar to the incidence for IDC NOS). As a group ILCs tend to metastasize later than IDC and spread to unusual locations (peritoneum, meninges, GIT). Most frequently missed breast cancer (difficult to detect mammographically and clinically). Cardenosa p358 = 11% of lobular Ca well circumscribed10.Which is true (TW/SK)
  2. Less than 30% of lobular carcinomas are well defined - T - round / ovoid mass with regular borders 1%. Architectural distortion most common mammo finding (18-30%). ILCs 2nd most common type of invasive breast Ca. Higher frequency of bilaterality (10%) and multicentricity (30%) than IDCs (Robbins 2010: now thought to have contralateral incidence of 5-10%, similar to the incidence for IDC NOS). As a group ILCs tend to metastasize later than IDC and spread to unusual locations (peritoneum, meninges, GIT). Most frequently missed breast cancer (difficult to detect mammographically and clinically). Cardenosa p358 = 11% of lobular Ca well circumscribed
  3. Excluding trauma, 40-50% of stellate lesions will be malignant - F - 93% of all stellate lesions are malgnant (malignant : benign = 93 : 7). The majority of invasive breast cancers are stellate (stellate : circular = 65 : 35).
  4. Papillary carcinomas are aggressive and develop rapidly - F - rare ductal carcinoma forming papillary structures. Generally have a slow growth rate and better prognosis than do other forms of ductal carcinomas.
  5. Mucinous / colloid carcinoma is the fastest growing breast cancer - F - Medullary carcinoma is fastest growing. Mucinous has slow growth rate (pure form). Causes of stellate lesions STARFASH : Summation shadow, Tumor (malig), Abscess, Radial scar, Fibroadenoma/Fat necrosis, Adenosis (sclerosing), Scar (postoperative), Hematoma
40
Q
  1. Which is false with respect to mammographic screening?
  2. Misses 1 in 8 cancers in premenopausal women and 1 in 10 in post menopausal women
  3. US screening alone causes unacceptably high rates of biopsy of benign lesions
  4. Has reduced mortality by 20-30%
  5. Digital mammography has 20-30% better sensitivity compared to traditional film for diagnosing invasive carcinoma in a 70 y.o
  6. No decrease in invasive carcinoma
A
  1. Digital mammography has 20-30% better sensitivity compared to traditional film for diagnosing invasive carcinoma in a 70 y.o - F - full-field digital mammo may offer a small screening advantage in women younger than 50yo, esp those with dense breasts. Several studies have found little difference in cancer detection rates b/w digital and film (largest study ~50 000 patients). Oslo II study found rate of BrCa detection (24 000 pts) in women 45-69 was significantly higher for full field mammo. Overall detection rates 0.59% (digital) and 0.38% (film).
  2. Which is false with respect to mammographic screening? (TW)
  3. Misses 1 in 8 cancers in premenopausal women and 1 in 10 in post menopausal women - T - screening mammograms can detect up to 90% of breast cancers. Higher miss rate in premenopausal due to dense breasts. Misses 4-15-34% (Dahnert).
  4. US screening alone causes unacceptably high rates of biopsy of benign lesions - T - positive predictive values for biopsies based on US alone are approx half of those for biopsies of lesions discovered on mammography.
  5. Has reduced mortality by 20-30% - T - mortality from breast Ca in Qld has been decreasing in Qld since 1994 by 2.7% per year. This corresponds to an overall decrease in mortality rate for the 7y (to 2001) of 17.3%. Expert group of International Agency for Research on Cancer approximates 35% reduction of death rates among 50-69yo women who participate in regular screening.
  6. Digital mammography has 20-30% better sensitivity compared to traditional film for diagnosing invasive carcinoma in a 70 y.o - F - full-field digital mammo may offer a small screening advantage in women younger than 50yo, esp those with dense breasts. Several studies have found little difference in cancer detection rates b/w digital and film (largest study ~50 000 patients). Oslo II study found rate of BrCa detection (24 000 pts) in women 45-69 was significantly higher for full field mammo. Overall detection rates 0.59% (digital) and 0.38% (film).
  7. No decrease in invasive carcinoma - ?T - seen progressive increase in rates, probably due to increased detection with mammographic screening.UpToDate. BreastScreen Qld info. MJA. Dr Google.
41
Q
  1. Features of Fibroadenomas?
  2. Show microlobulation in older women.
  3. Do not change in size or characteristics in premenopausal women.
  4. Commonest breast lesion in women <40yrs.
A
  1. Commonest breast lesion in women <40yrs. - ?T (vs fibrocystic change / breast cyst) - eMed: among the most common breast lesions, particularly in women younger than 40yo. Dahenrt: 3rd most common type of breast lesion after fibrocystic disease and carcinoma, and most common breast tumor under age 25yo. UpToDate - most commonly found between ages 15-35yo.
  2. Features of Fibroadenomas? (TW) Cardenosa p328
  3. Show microlobulation in older women - F - get smaller with age, can have increased dense calcification (popcorn type is pathognomonic). Nodular, macrolobulated contour when larger. Can have regular, lobulated or irregular contour on US.
  4. Do not change in size or characteristics in premenopausal women. - F - slight enlargement at end of menstrual cycle and during pregnancy; regresses after menopause. Estrogen-induced benign tumor originating from TDLU.
  5. Commonest breast lesion in women <40yrs. - ?T (vs fibrocystic change / breast cyst) - eMed: among the most common breast lesions, particularly in women younger than 40yo. Dahenrt: 3rd most common type of breast lesion after fibrocystic disease and carcinoma, and most common breast tumor under age 25yo. UpToDate - most commonly found between ages 15-35yo.
42
Q
  1. Regarding breast US, which is false?
  2. Hamartomas better seen on mammography than US.
  3. Retained silicon can mimic a cyst.
  4. Fibroadenomas can show posterior shadowing.
  5. fibroadenomas are more dense than cysts on mammography.
A
  1. fibroadenomas are more dense than cysts on mammography. - F - smooth, discrete margins and indistinguishable from cysts when small (Dahnert). Circular/oval lesions that are radiolucent: lipoma, oil cyst, galactocele. Low density radiopaque - Fibroadenoma, cyst (plus rarer lesions). (Tabar). StatDx (Ming Wang) – low density or Isodense to breast parenchyma.
  2. Regarding breast US, which is false? (TW/SK)
  3. Hamartomas better seen on mammography than US. - T - = fibroadenolipoma / lipofibroadenoma / adenolipoma - typically well-circumscribed, round to oval masses containing both fat and soft-tissue density with a thin, radiopaque pseudocapsule. Occasionally hamartomas may manifest mammographically as a predominantly soft-tissue density. Sonography > mammography at detecting cysts. CME.
  4. Retained silicon can mimic a cyst. - T - retained presumably implies implant removal with retained silicone (similar to extracapsular silicone). “snowstorm” / “echogenic noise” pattern (extracapsular rupture). Hypoechoic masses almost indistinguishable from cysts + usually sourrounded by echogenic noise (= large to medium-sized colections of free silicone) with low-level internal echoes. (Dahnert). Note that CME qu 03.83 has this as false.
  5. Fibroadenomas can show posterior shadowing. – T - 9-11% show posterior acoustic shadowing in the absence of calcifications. 17-25% demonstrate posterior acoustic enhancement (Dahnert). This options was phrased as “Fibroadenoma characteristically is associated with an acoustic shadow” in CME 99.42 which was false. Cardenosa p328 “no posterior acoustic enhancement or shadowing”. StatDx “posterior shadowing if hyalinised or large calcifications” (this article in StatDx was written by Ming Wang himself!)
  6. fibroadenomas are more dense than cysts on mammography. - F - smooth, discrete margins and indistinguishable from cysts when small (Dahnert). Circular/oval lesions that are radiolucent: lipoma, oil cyst, galactocele. Low density radiopaque - Fibroadenoma, cyst (plus rarer lesions). (Tabar). StatDx (Ming Wang) – low density or Isodense to breast parenchyma.The US appearance of FREE silicone is variable. Classic appearance - highly echogenic pattern of scattered and reverberating echoes with a well-defined anterior margin and loss of detail posteriorly (“echogenic noise” / “snowstorm”). Occasionally the echogenic noise is absent, replaced by acoustic shadowing with the silicone blocking the transmission of sound. Large to medium-sized conglomerates of free silicone can appear as hypoechoic masses which are almost indistinguishable from cysts and are usually surrounded by echogenic noise. (Radiographics US appearance of silicone - “white noise” posteriorly (open arrows). Echogenic area with acousting shadowing. Anechoic comglomerates surrounded by echogenic noise mimicking cysts.
43
Q

14.Regarding Lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node localization in breast ca?

  1. Internal mammary metastases are not detected in cases without axillary metastases.
  2. Sentinel node detection is a sign of micrometastases.
  3. Methylene blue injection improves pick up of nodal disease.
  4. Peri-tumoral injection of radiotracer is clearly superior to subdermal injection overlying the tumor in the detection of a sentinel node.
A
  1. Methylene blue injection improves pick up of nodal disease - T - injection is for mapping of lymphatic drainage and sential node. Concept is for identifcation of SLN where biopsy can be performed - and if negative, should accurately identify those patients without axillary node involvement. Guides the nodal assessment. Hypothysis is tumor cells migrating from a primary tumor colonize one or a few lymph nodes.
  2. Regarding Lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node localization in breast ca? (TW)
  3. Internal mammary metastases are not detected in cases without axillary metastases - F - different lymphatic drainage for different components of breast
  4. Sentinel node detection is a sign of micrometastases - F - injection of vital blue dye or radiolabeled colloid around area of tumor permits identification of SLN. Is a mapping process, not detection of metastases process.
  5. Methylene blue injection improves pick up of nodal disease - T - injection is for mapping of lymphatic drainage and sential node. Concept is for identifcation of SLN where biopsy can be performed - and if negative, should accurately identify those patients without axillary node involvement. Guides the nodal assessment. Hypothysis is tumor cells migrating from a primary tumor colonize one or a few lymph nodes.
  6. Peri-tumoral injection of radiotracer is clearly superior to subdermal injection overlying the tumor in the detection of a sentinel node - F - a number of studies have shown subdermal injections are better than peritumoral. Subdermal & subareolar shown to be good in studies. Both peritumoral and subdermal injections together is suggested.
44
Q
  1. Mobile smoothly marginated solid breast lesion 43 year old female:
  2. Most likely a fibroadenoma; need biopsy to confirm
  3. Most likely a fibroadenoma; repeat mammogram in 6 months
  4. Most likely a carcinoma, biopsy
  5. If contained dense central popcorn calcification, need biopsy
A
  1. Most likely a fibroadenoma; need biopsy to confirm - T - if had popcorn / central calcification could stop at Mammo (radiographics) and routine re-screen. According to Tabar flow chart - as no pathognomonic calcification, proceed to ultrasound - if solid tumor perform FNAB / core biopsy.
  2. Mobile smoothly marginated solid breast lesion 43 year old female: the way options are written - I presume a smoothly marginated lesion is mammographic finding (TW)
  3. Most likely a fibroadenoma; need biopsy to confirm - T - if had popcorn / central calcification could stop at Mammo (radiographics) and routine re-screen. According to Tabar flow chart - as no pathognomonic calcification, proceed to ultrasound - if solid tumor perform FNAB / core biopsy.
  4. Most likely a fibroadenoma; repeat mammogram in 6 months - F - see qu 1. Plus why repeat in 6/12 (presuming 1st mammo has benign type appearance).
  5. Most likely a carcinoma, biopsy - F - atypical appearance for carcinoma, more typical for fibroadenoma, but still Bx.
  6. If contained dense central popcorn calcification, need biopsy - F - see ans
  7. Added option 4.
45
Q
  1. Mobile smoothly marginated solid breast lesion 43 year old female:
  2. Most likely a fibroadenoma; need biopsy to confirm
  3. Most likely a fibroadenoma; repeat mammogram in 6 months
  4. Most likely a carcinoma, biopsy
  5. If contained dense central popcorn calcification, need biopsy
A
  1. Most likely a fibroadenoma; need biopsy to confirm - T - if had popcorn / central calcification could stop at Mammo (radiographics) and routine re-screen. According to Tabar flow chart - as no pathognomonic calcification, proceed to ultrasound - if solid tumor perform FNAB / core biopsy.
  2. Mobile smoothly marginated solid breast lesion 43 year old female: the way options are written - I presume a smoothly marginated lesion is mammographic finding (TW)
  3. Most likely a fibroadenoma; need biopsy to confirm - T - if had popcorn / central calcification could stop at Mammo (radiographics) and routine re-screen. According to Tabar flow chart - as no pathognomonic calcification, proceed to ultrasound - if solid tumor perform FNAB / core biopsy.
  4. Most likely a fibroadenoma; repeat mammogram in 6 months - F - see qu 1. Plus why repeat in 6/12 (presuming 1st mammo has benign type appearance).
  5. Most likely a carcinoma, biopsy - F - atypical appearance for carcinoma, more typical for fibroadenoma, but still Bx.
  6. If contained dense central popcorn calcification, need biopsy - F - see ans 1.Added option
  7. StatDx (Ming Wang) on FA:
    • Clinical and sonographic follow-up adequate for many
    o Possible even if palpable: Further study warranted
    • Biopsy if new, enlarging, or suspicious features- or if it is > 2.5cm (can’t differentiate from phyllodes tumour)
46
Q
  1. Mammography
  2. Breast density is greater in the luteal phase rather than follicular phase
  3. Breast density increases with menopause
  4. Density is inverse proportion to risk of carcinoma
  5. Density is inverse proportion to histological grade of carcinoma
  6. Increased density is less associated with E and P compared with E alone
A
  1. Breast density is greater in the luteal phase rather than follicular phase - T - studies of breast cell proliferative activity have shown that most proliferative activity takes place during the luteal phase (3rd or 4th week) of the menstrual cycle. Women should have mammograms in the follicular phase (1st or 2nd week) of their cycle. Breast tissue is less radiographically dense in the follicular phase.
  2. Mammography
  3. Breast density is greater in the luteal phase rather than follicular phase - T - studies of breast cell proliferative activity have shown that most proliferative activity takes place during the luteal phase (3rd or 4th week) of the menstrual cycle. Women should have mammograms in the follicular phase (1st or 2nd week) of their cycle. Breast tissue is less radiographically dense in the follicular phase.
  4. Breast density increases with menopause - F - decreases, fatty involution.
  5. Density is inverse proportion to risk of carcinoma - F - presence of dense breast tissue is independently associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Risk of breast Ca is 4-5x increased in women with mammographically dense breasts cf women of similar age with less or no dense tissue.
  6. Density is inverse proportion to histological grade of carcinoma - F - studies (Sala et al, Roubidoux et al) found that cancers arising in dense brests are of higher histologic grade than those arising in fatty breasts. Other study has found no direct correlation with prognosis, but not inversely proportional.
  7. Increased density is less associated with E and P compared with E alone - F - Oestrogen higher in follicular phase - LH + FSH peak + oestrogen peak for ovulation - increased progesterone and oestrogen in luteal phase. Options is suggesting that increased density occurs with Oestrogen alone (ie follicular phase).Follicular phase - 1-2 weeks post menstruation- oestrogen increase- less then breastLuteal phase- 3 -4 weeks post menstruation- this is the ovulation stage- oestrogen, protesteron, FSH, LH increase- denser breast
47
Q
  1. Breast fibroadenoma – which is false:
  2. Common in women under 25 years
  3. Macrolobulation
  4. Coarse calcification
  5. Increased with HRT
  6. Increased density compared with cysts on mammography
A
  1. Increased density compared with cysts on mammography - F - low radiographic density (Tabar), can be indistinguisable from cysts. See answer above.
  2. Breast fibroadenoma – which is false: (TW)
  3. Common in women under 25 years - T - most common breast mass in women < 35 years (most common in women in 20s & 30s)
  4. Macrolobulation - T - nodular / lobulated contour when larger (areas with different growth rates)
  5. Coarse calcification - T - “popcorn” type of calcification is pathognomonic. Calcifications within ductal elements - pleomorphic linear +/- branching pattern. Calcifications enlarge as soft-tissue component regresses.
  6. Increased with HRT - T - tumor is oestrogen induced benign tumor. Normally there is slight enlargement at end of mestrual cycle and during pregnancy. May occur in postmenopausal women receiving oestrogen replacement.
  7. Increased density compared with cysts on mammography - F - low radiographic density (Tabar), can be indistinguisable from cysts. See answer above.
48
Q
  1. What is a benign finding on breast ultrasound:
  2. Mass with extension along a duct
  3. Ill defined
  4. Posterior shadowing
  5. Lesion more hyperechoic than fat
  6. Microlobulation
A

4.Lesion more hyperechoic than fat – T e.g. lipoma

SHAME BS CD 
- malignant characteristics on US (Stavros): 
Spiculation, 
Height > Width, 
Angular margins, 
Microlobulations, 
Echogenicity (hypo), 
Branch pattern, 
Shadowing, 
Calcification, 
Duct extension
CHEW - benign characteristics on US: 
Capsulated (thin, complete), 
Hyperechoic, 
Ellipsoid (width > height), 
Well circumscribed lobulations.
49
Q
  1. Regarding mammography screening:
  2. Initial pick up of Ca is 6-8 per 1000
  3. Can see skin line under normal viewing conditions
  4. Examination decreases cost of screening
  5. 30% PPV on clinical exam not sufficient
  6. All macrocalcification needs coned down views
A
  1. Initial pick up of Ca is 6-8 per 1000 – T CRS (Conant) – “Prevalence screening is 1st round screening, cancer detection rate 6-10 per 1000. Incidence screening is repeated attendance & has a lower detection rate of 2-4 per 1000.”
  2. Regarding mammography screening: (TW)
  3. Initial pick up of Ca is 6-8 per 1000 – T CRS (Conant) – “Prevalence screening is 1st round screening, cancer detection rate 6-10 per 1000. Incidence screening is repeated attendance & has a lower detection rate of 2-4 per 1000.”
  4. Can see skin line under normal viewing conditions - F - SK – for FSM, need to use bright light to show skin line on adequately exposed radiography – although not true for FFDM; (previously) in high contrast screen-film mammography there was no need to show the skin line (cancerous cells in the breast did not arise in the skin, and not from the adipose tissue). Previously, visualisation of skin edge was at sacrifice of overall contrast. However now with digital mammography can see skin.
  5. Examination decreases cost of screening - F - component of screening. Clinical breast examination may modestly improve early detection of breast cancer, however at potential significant expense when performed as an adjunct to mammography.
  6. 30% PPV on clinical exam not sufficient - F - UpToDate - Mammography detects approx 90% of screening detected cancers and clinical breast examination approximately 50%. There is some but not total overlap. Studies suggest that clinical breast examination detects 5% of cancers not visible on mammography, and may modestly improve the early detection of breast cancer.
  7. All macrocalcification needs coned down views - F - not for macrocalcification.CME 02.154 (9)Digital mammography is more sensitive than film mammography for dense breasts.
50
Q

21.Regarding mammographic density, which is true?

  1. Density increased after menopause
  2. Density increased in luteal phase more than follicular phase
  3. Inverse risk relationship between increased breast lesion density and breast carcinoma
  4. Inverse risk relationship between histologic grade and mammographic lesion density
  5. Estrogen and progesterone are less likely associated with increased breast density than estrogen alone
A
  1. Density increased in luteal phase more than follicular phase - T - studies of breast cell proliferative activity have shown that most proliferative activity takes place during the luteal phase (3rd or 4th week) of the menstrual cycle. Women should have mammograms in the follicular phase (1st or 2nd week) of their cycle. Breast tissue is less radiographically dense in the follicular phase.
  2. Regarding mammographic density, which is true? (TW)
  3. Density increased after menopause - F - decreases, fatty involution.
  4. Density increased in luteal phase more than follicular phase - T - studies of breast cell proliferative activity have shown that most proliferative activity takes place during the luteal phase (3rd or 4th week) of the menstrual cycle. Women should have mammograms in the follicular phase (1st or 2nd week) of their cycle. Breast tissue is less radiographically dense in the follicular phase.
  5. Inverse risk relationship between increased breast lesion density and breast carcinoma - F - presence of dense breast tissue is independently associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Risk of breast Ca is 4-5x increased in women with mammographically dense breasts cf women of similar age with less or no dense tissue
  6. Inverse risk relationship between histologic grade and mammographic lesion density - F - studies (Sala et al, Roubidoux et al) found that cancers arising in dense brests are of higher histologic grade than those arising in fatty breasts. Other study has found no direct correlation with prognosis, but not inversely proportional.
  7. Estrogen and progesterone are less likely associated with increased breast density than estrogen alone - F - Oestrogen higher in follicular phase - LH + FSH peak + oestrogen peak for ovulation - increased progesterone and oestrogen in luteal phase. Options is suggesting that increased density occurs with Oestrogen alone (ie follicular phase).SK – some say breast density relates to oestrogen use, some say any HRT (oestrogen or progesterone), some say poor relationship!!JNCI J Natl Cancer Inst (2007) 99 (15): 1178-1187.Mammographic density is one of the strongest predictors of breast cancer risk. Women whose breasts contain at least 75% dense tissue are at a four- to sixfold greater risk of breast cancer than women with entirely fatty breasts (i.e., no measurable dense tissue).
51
Q
  1. Breast US
  2. Hamartoma is less well seen on US compared to mammo
  3. Shadowing in peripheries of hypoechoic lesion is benign
  4. Fat is echogenic
A

1.Hamartoma is less well seen on US compared to mammo - T - better on mammo.

  1. Breast US (TW)
  2. Hamartoma is less well seen on US compared to mammo - T - better on mammo.
  3. Shadowing in peripheries of hypoechoic lesion is benign - F - can be seen in benign lesions (e.g. FA), but not exclusive.
  4. Fat is echogenic - F - fat is hypoechoic. Glandular tissue hyperechoic. SK – lipomas are hypo- to slightly hyperechoic (Cardenosa p389)
52
Q
  1. Breast Imaging
  2. Edge shadowing indicates a benign lesions
  3. Density is inversely proportional to cancer
  4. Histological grade inversely proportional
  5. Curvilinear calcification in breast cysts
A
  1. Curvilinear calcification in breast cysts T - Eggshell or rim calcifications - fat necrosis (oil cyst) can result in eggshell calcification, however calcification in the walls of cysts is the most common cause of eggshell or rim calcifications (eMed).
    * *LJS - oil cysts. Uncommon in simple cyst walls
  2. Breast Imaging (TW)
  3. Edge shadowing indicates a benign lesion - F - may be seen in benign lesions, but not exclusive.
  4. Density is inversely proportional to cancer - F - increasingly dense breasts have increased risk of developing cancer (4-5x)
  5. Histological grade inversely proportional - F - studies have reflected an increase in grade with increased density. Some have shown no change, but not inversely proportional.
  6. Curvilinear calcification in breast cysts T - Eggshell or rim calcifications - fat necrosis (oil cyst) can result in eggshell calcification, however calcification in the walls of cysts is the most common cause of eggshell or rim calcifications (eMed).
53
Q
  1. The following statements are true regarding breast calcification:
  2. Breast cysts often show curvilinear calcification in their walls
  3. Free silicone looks like cysts
A
  1. Free silicone looks like cysts – T? – The US appearance of FREE silicone is variable. Classic appearance - highly echogenic pattern of scattered and reverberating echoes with a well-defined anterior margin and loss of detail posteriorly (“echogenic noise” / “snowstorm”). Occasionally the echogenic noise is absent, replaced by acoustic shadowing with the silicone blocking the transmission of sound. Large to medium-sized conglomerates of free silicone can appear as hypoechoic masses which are almost indistinguishable from cysts and are usually surrounded by echogenic noise. (Radiographics 1999).
  2. The following statements are true regarding breast calcification: (TW/SK)
  3. Breast cysts often show curvilinear calcification in their walls – F? - can occur, but not necessarily ‘often’.
  4. Free silicone looks like cysts – T? – The US appearance of FREE silicone is variable. Classic appearance - highly echogenic pattern of scattered and reverberating echoes with a well-defined anterior margin and loss of detail posteriorly (“echogenic noise” / “snowstorm”). Occasionally the echogenic noise is absent, replaced by acoustic shadowing with the silicone blocking the transmission of sound. Large to medium-sized conglomerates of free silicone can appear as hypoechoic masses which are almost indistinguishable from cysts and are usually surrounded by echogenic noise. (Radiographics 1999). CME 02.151 and CME 02.152
54
Q
  1. Breast microcalcification associated with, best answer
  2. Lobular carcimoma in situ
  3. Cystosarcoma Phylloides
  4. Fat Necrosis
  5. Ductal carcinoma
A
  1. Ductal carcinoma - T - most correct - malignant calcifications 45-60%
  2. Breast microcalcification associated with, best answer (TW)
  3. Lobular Ca in situ - F - mammographically occult. cf lobular carcinoma (calcification 0-24%). Robbins says always an incidental finding (SK)

.2.Cystsarcoma phylloides - F - = malignant phyllodes tumor (vs benign phyllodes - fibroadenoma phyllodes) - may include plaquelike calcifications (Radiographics).

  1. Fat necrosis - T - traumatic lipid cyst / oil cyst. Calcifies 4-7%.
  2. Ductal carcinoma - T - most correct - malignant calcifications 45-60%
55
Q

27.Radial scar of the breast, most incorrect answer

  1. Usually has a lucent centre
  2. Has long speculated densities radiating outwards
  3. Has lucencies parallel to densities
  4. Can be seen on multiple projections
A
  1. Can be seen on multiple projections - F - (? equally well on multiple projections) vary in appearance from one mammographic projection to the other.
  2. Radial scar of the breast, most incorrect answer (TW)
  3. Usually has a lucent centre - T - there is no solid, dense, central tumor mass of a size corresponding to the length of the spicules. Instead, there may be translucent, oval, or circular areas at the center of the radiating structure. (“black star”)
  4. Has long speculated densities radiating outwards - T - radiating structures differ from those of invasive carcinoma. The longest are very thin and very long. Closer to the center of the lesion they may beocme more numerous and are clumped together in thick aggregates.
  5. Has lucencies parallel to densities - T - there frequently appear to be radiolucent linear structures parallel to some of the fine radiopaque linear densities.
  6. Can be seen on multiple projections - F - (? equally well on multiple projections) vary in appearance from one mammographic projection to the other.
56
Q
  1. Regarding breast ultrasound:
  2. Marginal acoustic shadowing suggests a benign lesion
  3. Normal mammary ducts can measure up to 3mm
A

2.Normal mammary ducts can measure up to 3mm T

57
Q
  1. Regarding Invasive lobular carcinoma:
  2. Most common malignant tumour
  3. Frequently calcified
  4. More easily identified on T1 with Gad than mammogram
  5. Easy to see on ultrasound
A
  1. More easily identified on T1 with Gad than mammogram - T - MR 83-100% sensitive. Enhanced T1WI - moderate / strong initial enhancement. Ring enhancement of nodular tumor form (in up to 50%). Most frequently missed breast cancer (difficult ot detect mammographically and clinically) (Dahnert). Sensitivity signficiantly better than mammography / specificty MRI worse than mammography (UpToDate). A 2009 article from AJR showed Breast-Specific gamma imaging had highest senstivity for detection fo invasive lobular carcinoma with sensitivity 93%. Mammo 79%, sonography 68%, MRI 83% sensitivity.
  2. Regarding Invasive lobular carcinoma: (TW)
  3. Most common malignant tumour - F - neoplasm arising from terminal ductules of breast lobules. 2nd most common form of invasive breast cancer. (10% of invasive cancers)
  4. Frequently calcified - F - microcalcifications in 0-24%. Cardenosa says not associated. (SK)
  5. More easily identified on T1 with Gad than mammogram - T - MR 83-100% sensitive. Enhanced T1WI - moderate / strong initial enhancement. Ring enhancement of nodular tumor form (in up to 50%). Most frequently missed breast cancer (difficult ot detect mammographically and clinically) (Dahnert). Sensitivity signficiantly better than mammography / specificty MRI worse than mammography (UpToDate). A 2009 article from AJR showed Breast-Specific gamma imaging had highest senstivity for detection fo invasive lobular carcinoma with sensitivity 93%. Mammo 79%, sonography 68%, MRI 83% sensitivity.
  6. Easy to see on ultrasound - FCME 02.158 (13)
58
Q
  1. Ductal papilloma of the breast, which is least correct:
  2. > 3cm in size
  3. Central location
  4. Associated with bleeding
  5. Postmenopausal woman
A
  1. > 3cm in size F
  2. Ductal papilloma of the breast, which is least correct: (GC)
  3. > 3cm in size F
  4. Central location T - 90% arise within 1cm of the nipple, extending 2-3cm into breast.
  5. Associated with bleeding T - typically present with spontaneous bloody / serous / serosanguinous discharge.
  6. Postmenopausal woman T - 5th - 7th decades, mean 48 yo.
    * *LJS 40-50yr, so premenopausal
59
Q
  1. Invasive lobular carcinoma is poorly seen on mammography. Why?
  2. Surrounded by inflammatory cells which blur the margins
  3. Produces little desmoplastic response
  4. Large tumour cells with abundant cytoplasm
  5. Most commonly manifests as architectural distortion
A

2.Produces little desmoplastic response T - tendency to spread diffusely or between the collagen fibres of the breast. SK – Desmoplasia may be minimal or absent (Robbins).

Invasive lobular carcinoma is poorly seen on mammography. Why? (GC) Cardenosa p358

  1. Surrounded by inflammatory cells which blur the margins F
  2. Produces little desmoplastic response T - tendency to spread diffusely or between the collagen fibres of the breast. SK – Desmoplasia may be minimal or absent (Robbins).
  3. Large tumour cells with abundant cytoplasm F - small uniform tumour cells with round nuclei and scanty cytoplasm arranged in a classic single file pattern. Loss of E-cadherin (SK).
  4. Most commonly manifests as architectural distortion F - most commonly seen as a mass, usually with spiculated or ill-defined margins; round circumscribed masses are far less common. Mass > AD ≈ asymmetry ≈ diffuse breast changes.
60
Q
  1. Types of breast carcinoma-in-situ: which is not?
  2. cribriform
  3. papillary
  4. mucopapillary
  5. comedocarcinoma
  6. lobular
A
  1. mucopapillary - F - micropapillary, not mucopapillary.
  2. Types of breast carcinoma-in-situ: which is not? (TW)
  3. cribriform - T - noncomedo DCIS. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lactiferous ducts. Intraepithelial spaces even distributed and regular in shape (“cookie cutter”).
  4. papillary - T - noncomedo DCIS. Lacks normal myoepithelial cell layer.
  5. mucopapillary - F - micropapillary, not mucopapillary.
  6. comedocarcinoma - T - DCIS - solid sheets of high-grade malignant cells and central necrosis.
  7. lobular - T - proliferation, in one or more terminal ducts or ductules (acini).
61
Q

33.2cm breast Ca with mobile axillary LN. what stage??

A

T2, N1.
–> Stage IIB:

TNM staging
Primary tumour (T)
Tx: primary tumour cannot be assessed
T0: no evidence of primary tumour
Tis: carcinoma in situ
T1

T1a: 0.1-0.5 cm
T1b: 0.5-1.0 cm
T1c: 1.0- 2.0 cm

T2: 2-5 cm
T3: >5 cm

T4: any size 
T4a: chest wall fixation no oedema 
T4b: oedema (peau d'orange change) or satellite skin nodules
T4c: 
T4a and T4b
T4d: inflammatory breast cancer
Nodal status (N)
Nx: nodes cannot be assessed
N0: no evidence of nodal involvement
N1: mobile axillary lymph nodes
N2: fixed/matted axillary lymph nodes or ipsilateral internal mammary artery lymph nodes
N3:
 (a) infraclavicular 
(b) ipsilateral IMA and axilla 
(c) supraclavicularMetastases 

M
Mx: presence of metastases cannot be assessed
M0: no evidence of metastases
M1: distant metastases present

AJCC anatomic stage:
Stage 0:
Tis, N0, M0

Stage IA:
- T1, N0, M0

Stage IB
- ​[T0, T1], N1mi, M0

Stage IIA:

  • [T0, T1], N1, M0
  • T2, N0, M0

Stage IIB:

  • T2, N1, M0
  • T3, N0, M0

Stage IIIA

  • [T0, T1, T2], N2, M0
  • T3, [N1, N2], M0

Stage IIIB:
- T4, [N0, N1, N2], M0

Stage IIIC
- [Any T], N3, M0

Stage IV
- [Any T], [Any N], M1

62
Q
  1. Papillary type T/F
  2. Bladder cancer
  3. Thyroid cancer
  4. RCC
  5. Breast
  6. Craniopharyngioma
A

all of the listed tumour has papillary histological subtyepes

  1. Papillary type is not found in (T/F): (GC)
  2. Bladder cancer T - 70% of bladder TCC are papillary lesions, includes papilloma, inverted papilloma, PUNLMP, low and high-grade papillary urothelial Ca.
  3. Thyroid cancer T - 60-70% of thyroid Ca.
  4. RCC T - 5-15% of RCC, usually hypovascular.
  5. Breast T - 1% of invasive breast cancers, rare ductal Ca (don’t confuse with micropapillary/cribriform DCIS).
  6. Craniopharyngioma T - papillary type more common in adults, adamantinomatous in kids.
63
Q
  1. Breast – clustered microcalcifications occur in:
  2. medullary
  3. LCIS
  4. Haematoma
  5. fat necrosis
  6. cystadenoma phylloides
A

necrosis – 4-7% best answer (SK)

35.Breast – clustered microcalcifications occur in T/F:

  1. medullary
  2. LCIS – 0-24% (??)
  3. Haematoma
  4. fat necrosis – 4-7% best answer (SK)
  5. cystadenoma phylloides

Clustered pattern is most common pattern & is of intermediate concern (i.e. can occur in both benign & malignant processes).

DDx incl. fibrocystic change, sclerosing adenosis, FA, fat necrosis, papilloma. Cardenosa says calcifications rarely associated with lobular neoplasia.

64
Q
  1. Radial scar: false?
  2. central oval lucency
  3. radiating spicules
  4. high and low density spicules
  5. no skin retraction
  6. same in 2 planes
A
  1. same in 2 planes - F - vary in appearance from one mammographic projection to the other.
  2. Radial scar (TW)
  3. central oval lucency - T - there is no solid, dense, central tumor mass of a size corresponding to the length of the spicules. Instead, there may be translucent, oval, or circular areas at the center of the radiating structure.
  4. radiating spicules - T - radiating structures differ from those of invasive carcinoma. The longest are very thin and very long. Closer to the center of the lesion they may beocme more numerous and are clumped together in thick aggregates.
  5. high and low density spicules - T - there frequently appear to be radiolucent linear structures parallel to some of the fine radiopaque linear densities.
  6. no skin retraction - T - there is never skin thickening nor retraction over the lesion
  7. same in 2 planes - F - vary in appearance from one mammographic projection to the other.
65
Q
  1. Ultrasound of the breast.
  2. Is a recognised screening for breast cancer in the under 30 age group.
  3. Reliably distinguishes carcinoma from fibroadenoma.
  4. Has good predictive value for cystic lesions.
  5. Can reliably detect microcalcification.
A
  1. Has good predictive value for cystic lesions.
  2. Ultrasound of the breast. (TW)
  3. Is a recognised screening for breast cancer in the under 30 age group - F - US not a screening tool (Dahnert). US used diagnostically in <30yo, not screening. In high risk population, consider MRI.
  4. Reliably distinguishes carcinoma from fibroadenoma - F - main role is to Dx cystic from solid structure.
  5. Has good predictive value for cystic lesions - T
  6. Can reliably detect microcalcification - F - can detect them, but not to the degree of mammography, and often only detect them if associated with a mass.
66
Q

38.Medullary carcinoma. False?

1.Is more common in pre rather than post menopausal women.
2.Shows a lobulated appearance.
3.Histiocytes are associated with a more favourable prognosis
.4.Grows rapidly.
5.May have associated microcalcification.

A
  1. Histiocytes are associated with a more favourable prognosis - ?F
    * LW: false: presence of lymphocytes is a favourable prognosis (ROBBINS)
  2. Medullary carcinoma, which is false. (TW)
  3. Is more common in pre rather than post menopausal women - T - occurs in younger than average women. 11% in women <35yo; 40-50% in women <50yo.
  4. Shows a lobulated appearance - T - well-circumscribed mass with nodular architecture and lobulated contour
  5. Histiocytes are associated with a more favourable prognosis - ?F
    * LW: false: presence of lymphocytes is a favourable prognosis (ROBBINS)

4.Grows rapidly - T - fastest growing breast cancer

  1. May have associated microcalcification - T - have areas of haemorrhage and necrosis. Calcification is rare (but presumably can occur)
    * LW: Ca++ usually not a feature / without Ca++.
67
Q
  1. With regard to mammographic appearances of fat necrosis (which is false?)
  2. Microcalcification is common
  3. Distortion of architecture is common
  4. A Halo is often present
  5. The lesion is lucent
  6. Skin retraction occurs
A
  1. Microcalcification is common - F - calcifies in 4-7%. fat necrosis can result in at least 2 basic types of mammographic image: circular/oval lesion (hematoma developing into an oil cyst), and a stellate lesion. Calcification may be associated with either of them.
  2. With regard to mammographic appearances of fat necrosis (TW)
  3. Microcalcification is common - F - calcifies in 4-7%. fat necrosis can result in at least 2 basic types of mammographic image: circular/oval lesion (hematoma developing into an oil cyst), and a stellate lesion. Calcification may be associated with either of them.
  4. Distortion of architecture is common - T - early: ill-defined irregular spiculated dense mass (indistinguishable from carcinoma if associated with distortion, skin thickening, retraction)
  5. A Halo is often present - ?T
  6. The lesion is lucent - T - can be lucent. Later: well-circumscribed mass with translucent areas at centre (= homogeneous fat density of oil cyst).
  7. Skin retraction occurs - T - occurs in 50%