Breast imaging reassures women whose only symptom is breast pain

Although patients with a painful breast but no palpable lesion are often referred by general practitioners and hospital specialist for mammography, the value of breast imaging in these cases is uncertain. Duijm et al (p 1492) followed up nearly 1000 consecutive patients referred for mammography because of breast pain. They conclude that breast imaging in these patients has reassurance value only. Breast imaging usually detects no abnormalities in the painful area, radiological findings classified as benign generally do not have any clinical consequences, and the prevalence of cancer is very low. Biopsy can be avoided when radiological findings are not suspicious.


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Relevant Article

Value of breast imaging in women with painful breasts: observational follow up study

Lucien E M Duijm, Gerard L Guit, Jan H C L Hendriks, Joost O M Zaat, and Willem P T M Mali
BMJ 1998 317: 1492-1495. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]