Open AccessIs radial scar on core needle biopsy a risk factor for malignancy? A single‐center retrospective review and implications for management
Author(s) -
Woodward Steven G.,
Nimtz Karl,
Hookim Kim,
Sevrukov Alexander B.,
Tsangaris Theodore N.,
Willis Alliric,
Berger Adam C.,
Lazar Melissa
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the breast journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.533
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1524-4741
pISSN - 1075-122X
DOI - 10.1111/tbj.13975
Subject(s) - medicine , malignancy , atypia , biopsy , single center , retrospective cohort study , scars , radiology , surgery , pathology
Reported upgrade rate to malignancy of radial scars (RS) ranges widely (0%‐40%) making management controversial. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with RS on core needle biopsy (CNB). Upgrade rates to malignancy and atypia on surgical excision were evaluated. Results Of 127 patients with RS on CNB, 53 were excluded due to malignancy or missing records. Of 74 patients reviewed, 52 (70.3%) had surgical excision with four (7.7%) upgraded to malignancy. Eight patients (10.8%) had atypia with RS on CNB with two (25%) upgraded to malignancy. When isolated RS was on CNB, 2 of 44 (4.5%) upgraded to malignancy while 15 of 44 (34%) had atypia on excision. Of 22 patients (29.7%) who did not have excision, zero developed cancer. Conclusion We found higher than expected upgrade rates of isolated RS to atypia which can alter management. Additionally, 25% of RS with atypia upgraded to malignancy suggesting these patients are at higher risk.