Spontaneous regression of interval benign cysts of the breast.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the natural history of nonpalpable interval breast cysts detected at mammography and diagnosed at sonography in an asymptomatic female population.


METHODS
The imaging records of 5,000 consecutive patients (aged 35-77 years [mean, 51 years]) seen in one breast center over a 6-month period were reviewed. Serial studies of those patients with documented evidence of interval benign breast cysts were evaluated for the subsequent course of such lesions with regard to regression, stability, or enlargement seen at mammography.


RESULTS
Interval cysts were found in 53 patients (68 cysts), approximately 1% of the studied population. More than half of these lesions spontaneously regressed in 1 year, most of them completely. By 2 years, nearly two-thirds had regressed. By 5 years, only 12% of the lesions had not shown regression.


CONCLUSIONS
Interval breast cyst formation is not uncommon, and most of these benign lesions will undergo spontaneous regression or remain stable. Further intervention is not required for interval benign cysts.
Tower Imaging Group, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
R J
RJ
Brenner
M E
ME
Bein
D A
DA
Sarti
A L
AL
Vinstein
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous