The subcutaneous reaction: a useful mammographic sign.
The appearance of a subcutaneous reaction which may be observed on a mammogram in the presence of underlying pathology is described. When this sign was used as the sole indicator of malignancy in a series of 273 consecutive biopsied cases, a specificity of 96% and a positive predictive value of 89% was observed. Non-malignant cases, not in the series, are also presented and it is concluded that, in cases not investigated by Tru-cut needle biopsy or cyst aspiration and in the absence of infection or lymphoedema, malignancy should be considered a highly likely cause of a subcutaneous reaction.
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D012867:Skin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*