
Findings: The left breast is enlarged secondary to an enormous mass of mixed density, displacing normal breast parenchyma to the superolateral aspect of the breast.
Diagnosis: Hamartoma of the breast. Also referred as a fibroadenolipoma.
Discussion: Hamartomas are an uncommon benign breast lesion composed of variable amounts of adipose, glandular and fibrous tissues. They are usually asymptomatic. The degree of palpability is related to the ratio of fat to fibroglandular component within the lesion. They are mostly seen in women older than 35 years.
Mammographically, a breast hamartoma is a well-circumscribed mass containing both fat and soft tissue density. A thin radio-opaque line (pseudocapsule) is often seen surrounding at least a portion of the mass. A diagnosis can be confidently made when the lesion has the classic mammographic appearance.
References:
Jackson VP, et al: Benign Breast Lesions. In: Bassett LW (ed).
Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1977: 394-397.
Homer MJ. Mammographic Interpretation. New York, NY:McGraw-Hill, Inc; 1991:81-83.
Return to Women's Diagnosic Imaging Page
Submitted by: