Adenomioepitelioma de la mama

Objectives

To perform a descriptive analysis of the clinical information and radiological findings, emphasizing those provided by magnetic resonance imaging of a single-center series of cases of adenomyoepithelioma of the breast.

Material and methods

Our series consists of 11 patients, most of them were diagnosed by ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. In three cases, the initial diagnosis was papilloma, and adenomyoepithelioma was diagnosed by surgical excision or vacuum aspiration biopsy. In five cases, breast magnetic resonance was performed.

Results

Most of our cases were diagnosed by mammography from the population-based breast cancer screening program, with a mass or focal asymmetry being the most frequent presentations. Ultrasound show oval and well-defined mass with a tendency to form angles. The two malignant cases showed prominent vessels in the Doppler study. On magnetic resonance imaging, they are predominantly hyperintense on T2 without restriction in diffusion and with intense gadolinium uptake. Three cases (two malignant and one atypical) relapsed.

Conclusion

Small adenomyoepitheliomas may mimic fibroadenomas, although they show a certain tendency to show angled edges. Core needle biopsy is usually diagnostic, although it is sometimes difficult to differentiate adenomyoepithelioma from papilloma.

Magnetic resonance imaging does not help to suspect malignancy since most cases do not show restriction in diffusion. In our series, the presence of vessels in the Doppler study has shown some relation to atypical or malignant adenomyoepithelioma. Wide surgical removal is warranted in atypical or malignant cases.