Outcomes evaluation for operative and nonoperative management of the abnormal mammogram.
BACKGROUND
This study reviewed the outcome of women with an abnormal mammogram and no mass (n = 194).


METHODS
Patients were immediately biopsied (34%) or followed up mammographically (66%). Information was collected prospectively over a 13-year period.


RESULTS
Eight of those initially biopsied (12%) proved to be cancer. Of the remaining 129 patients, 20 were lost to follow-up, leaving 109 for further review. Thirty of these patients ultimately came to biopsy, with 5 (17%) proving to be cancer. Of those followed up mammographically and not biopsied, the majority (92%) of lesions either remained unchanged or resolved. The average follow-up time is 53 months. Biopsy was avoided in 51%. Of the 179 patients with follow-up information, 40 (23%) developed new lesions. Fourteen of these lesions have been biopsied, and 36% were cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Most mammographic lesions resolve or remain unchanged. Women who have a lesion on mammography are at increased risk for further mammographic abnormalities.
McGreevy
J M
JM
Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
Loftus
T J
TJ
D001706:Biopsy; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017698:Postmenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D004967:Estrogens