Breast Imaging Practice Questions

Q: On mammogram, all of the following are the features of a malignant tumor except:

Macrocalcification. ***Macrocalcification*** - **Macrocalcifications** are typically **benign** and are often associated with involutional changes in the breast, such as aging or fibroadenomas. - These are usually larger, coarser calcifications that are easily seen and rarely indicate malignancy. *Microcalcification* - **Microcalcifications**, especially when **pleomorphic**, **linear**, or grouped, are a significant indicator of potential malignancy, such as **ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)**. - They represent calcium deposits within the ducts or stromal tissue, which can be associated with rapidly proliferating cells. *Irregular mass* - An **irregularly shaped mass** with ill-defined margins is highly suspicious for malignancy because it suggests invasive growth into surrounding tissues. - Unlike benign lesions which tend to be round or oval with smooth borders, malignant tumors often grow in an uncontrolled, infiltrative manner. *Spiculation* - **Spiculation** refers to **radiating lines or projections** extending from the borders of a mass, indicating an infiltrative process highly suggestive of malignancy. - These spicules represent fibrous tissue reaction to an invading tumor and are a strong predictor of breast cancer.

Q: Mammography can be best used in?

Early breast carcinoma. ***Early breast carcinoma*** - **Mammography** is the gold standard for **early detection of breast carcinoma**, particularly for identifying **microcalcifications** and small masses before they are palpable. - It plays a crucial role in **screening asymptomatic women** to reduce breast cancer mortality. *Mastitis* - **Mastitis** is an **inflammatory condition** of the breast, often associated with infection, which is usually diagnosed clinically. - While mammography might show diffuse **increased density**, it is not the primary diagnostic tool and often has limited value due to inflammatory changes masking pathology. *Fibroadenoma* - **Fibroadenomas** are **benign breast tumors** common in younger women, typically appearing as well-circumscribed masses on mammography. - While mammography can detect them, their characterization often requires **ultrasound** and **biopsy** for definitive diagnosis, as differentiation from malignant lesions can be challenging. *Phylloides tumor* - A **Phylloides tumor** is a rare tumor that can be benign, borderline, or malignant, and it typically presents as a rapidly growing, palpable mass. - Mammography may show a well-defined mass, but **ultrasound** and **core needle biopsy** are essential for accurate diagnosis and distinction from fibroadenomas or malignancy.

Q: Risk of malignancy in BIRADS score 2 is

0%. ***0%*** - A **BIRADS score of 2** indicates a **definitively benign finding**, meaning there is **essentially 0% risk of malignancy**. - BIRADS 2 is assigned to findings that are clearly benign such as **simple cysts, intramammary lymph nodes, calcified fibroadenomas**, and other characteristically benign lesions. - **No follow-up or intervention is required** for BIRADS 2 findings. *2-4%* - This risk range is typically associated with **BIRADS 4A** lesions (low suspicion for malignancy), which require **tissue diagnosis/biopsy**. - BIRADS 2 findings are definitively benign and have no measurable risk of malignancy. *10%* - A 10% risk of malignancy is aligned with **BIRADS 4A-4B** lesions (low to moderate suspicion), which require **biopsy**. - This percentage indicates a suspicious finding, which is completely different from a definitively benign BIRADS 2 finding. *50%* - A 50% risk of malignancy corresponds to a highly suspicious finding, typically **BIRADS 4C**, demanding **immediate biopsy**. - This level of risk is far too high for a benign finding like BIRADS 2, which carries no risk of malignancy.

Q: On mammogram all of the following are the features of a malignant tumor except:

Smooth margin. ***Smooth margin*** - A **smooth margin** on a mammogram is typically a feature of a **benign mass**, indicating that the lesion is well-defined and not invading surrounding tissues. - Malignant tumors usually exhibit **irregular, ill-defined, or spiculated margins** due to their invasive growth patterns. *Spiculation* - **Spiculation** is a **highly suspicious feature** of malignancy, characterized by sharp, radiating lines extending from the mass into the surrounding breast tissue. - It represents tumor invasion and desmoplastic reaction, indicating an aggressive growth pattern. *High density* - **High density** of a mass on mammography, appearing brighter than the surrounding breast tissue, is a **common feature of malignancy**. - This increased density is often due to higher cellularity or desmoplastic reaction within the tumor. *Ill-defined margin* - An **ill-defined margin** is a strong indicator of **malignancy** as it suggests infiltrative growth into adjacent tissues. - The borders of the mass are difficult to distinguish clearly from the surrounding breast parenchyma.

Q: The most appropriate technique for mammography is:

Mediolateral oblique view. ***Mediolateral oblique view*** - This view captures the **most breast tissue**, from the axilla down to the inframammary fold, as it visualizes both the upper outer quadrant and the posterior breast. - It allows for comprehensive imaging of the breast, which is crucial for **screening and diagnostic mammography**, enabling detection of abnormalities that might be missed on other views. *Spot Compression view* - This technique is used for **further evaluation of suspicious areas**, not as a primary screening or diagnostic view. - It applies localized compression to a smaller area of breast tissue to improve lesion visibility and definition. *Lateral view* - While it provides an orthogonal view to the craniocaudal projection, the standard lateral view (specifically, the medial lateral projection) **does not include as much axillary tissue** as the mediolateral oblique view. - It is often used as a supplementary view to help **localize lesions** in the mediolateral dimension. *Craniocaudal view* - This view is a standard part of mammography, providing a superior-inferior projection, but it **misses a significant portion of the axillary tail and posterior breast tissue**, especially in the upper outer quadrant. - It is usually performed in conjunction with the mediolateral oblique view to provide a **two-dimensional assessment** of the breast.

Q: ACR score 4 in breast imaging indicates

Suspicious abnormality. ***Suspicious abnormality*** - An **ACR BI-RADS category 4** indicates a **suspicious abnormality** that necessitates a biopsy to rule out malignancy. - The risk of malignancy in this category ranges from **2% to 94%**, representing findings that do not have the classic appearance of malignancy but have a definite probability of being cancer. *Probably benign* - This description corresponds to an **ACR BI-RADS category 3**, which suggests a less than 2% chance of malignancy. - Category 3 findings are usually followed up with **short-term interval imaging** (e.g., 6 months) to assess stability. *Highly suggestive of malignancy* - This corresponds to an **ACR BI-RADS category 5**, where the findings almost certainly represent **malignancy** (at least 95% probability). - Category 5 lesions require **appropriate action**, such as biopsy or definitive treatment, based on the highest level of suspicion. *Negative* - This description is for an **ACR BI-RADS category 1**, meaning there are **no significant findings** and the breast is normal. - Category 1 indicates that the study is completed and no further action is needed beyond routine screening.

Q: Which finding excludes BIRADS 3 categorization?

Architectural distortion. ***Architectural distortion*** - **Architectural distortion** refers to a disruption of the normal breast parenchymal architecture in the absence of a discrete mass, often indicating an underlying malignancy. - This finding is suspicious enough to warrant a recommendation of **biopsy (BI-RADS 4 or 5)**, thus **excluding BI-RADS 3**, which implies a probably benign finding with a low likelihood of malignancy (<2%). - Architectural distortion has a high association with malignancy and cannot be categorized as BI-RADS 3. *Normal lymph node* - A **normal lymph node** within the breast or axilla is a common and benign finding, characterized by an oval shape, fatty hilum, and thin cortex. - Its presence does not increase the suspicion of malignancy and is classified as **BI-RADS 1 or 2** (definitely benign). - This does NOT exclude BI-RADS 3; it is simply a more benign finding. *Simple cyst* - A **simple cyst** is a very common and benign fluid-filled sac, readily identifiable by clear sonographic criteria (anechoic, thin smooth walls, posterior acoustic enhancement). - It is classified as **BI-RADS 2** (benign finding), meaning it is definitely not malignant. - This does NOT exclude BI-RADS 3; it is simply a more benign finding that does not require follow-up. *Focal asymmetry* - **Focal asymmetry** refers to an area of fibroglandular tissue that is visible on only one mammographic projection or is less conspicuous than a mass. - If it has **no associated suspicious features**, it can be appropriately categorized as **BI-RADS 3**, requiring short interval follow-up. - This does NOT exclude BI-RADS 3 categorization.

Q: A 40-year-old woman with breast implants presents with breast pain after a recent fall. MRI shows the 'linguine sign.' What does this indicate?

Implant rupture. ***Implant rupture*** - The **"linguine sign"** on MRI is a classic finding for an **intracapsular rupture** of a silicone breast implant, where the collapsed implant shell is seen floating within the silicone gel. - The recent fall and localized breast pain are consistent with a traumatic event leading to implant compromise. *Fibroadenoma* - A fibroadenoma is a **benign solid tumor** of the breast that does not typically cause the "linguine sign." - Its appearance on imaging is usually a well-defined, smooth or lobulated mass, not indicative of implant rupture. *Breast carcinoma* - Breast carcinoma typically presents as an **irregular mass** with spiculations or microcalcifications, and does not cause the "linguine sign." - While breast pain can be a symptom, the specific MRI finding points away from malignancy. *Breast abscess* - A breast abscess is a localized collection of **pus**, usually presenting with signs of infection such as redness, warmth, and fever, along with a focal fluctuating mass. - It would appear as a fluid collection on MRI, but not with the characteristic "linguine sign" of implant rupture.

Q: A 60-year-old woman with a family history of breast cancer presents with a newly detected breast mass. What is the first-line imaging modality for its evaluation?

Mammography. ***Mammography*** - **Mammography** is the gold standard and first-line imaging modality for evaluating a newly detected breast mass, especially in women over 40. - It is effective in detecting **calcifications** and architectural distortions, which are key indicators of breast cancer. *Ultrasound* - **Ultrasound** is often used as a complementary modality to further characterize findings from a mammogram, differentiate between solid and cystic masses, and guide biopsies. - It is particularly useful in women with **dense breast tissue** where mammography may be less sensitive but is not typically the first-line alone. *MRI* - **MRI** is highly sensitive for breast cancer detection but is usually reserved for specific situations like screening high-risk individuals, evaluating extent of disease in newly diagnosed cancer, or assessing implant integrity. - It is not the initial imaging choice for a newly palpable mass due to its **cost**, potential for **false positives**, and common need for contrast injection. *CT scan* - A **CT scan** of the breast is generally not used for primary evaluation of a breast mass. - It is primarily utilized for staging cancer, assessing distant metastasis, or evaluating the chest wall.

Q: A 50-year-old female presents with a new-onset palpable lump in her breast. What is the most appropriate initial imaging study?

Mammography. ***Mammography*** - **Mammography** is the **most appropriate initial imaging study** for a new breast lump in a 50-year-old female, as it serves as the primary modality for both **screening and diagnostic evaluation** of breast abnormalities. - It has high sensitivity for detecting **masses and calcifications** in this age group, where decreased breast density improves visualization of lesions. - In practice, for a palpable lump, mammography is often performed along with targeted ultrasound as part of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. *Ultrasound* - While ultrasound is an essential complementary tool, especially for evaluating **palpable masses** and differentiating **solid from cystic lesions**, it is typically considered an **adjunct to mammography** rather than the initial or sole imaging study. - Ultrasound is operator-dependent and has lower sensitivity for detecting **microcalcifications** compared to mammography. - However, it is highly valuable for further characterization of masses identified on clinical examination or mammography. *MRI* - **MRI** is highly sensitive for breast cancer detection but is generally reserved for **high-risk screening**, **staging of known cancers**, evaluating extent of disease, or problem-solving in inconclusive cases. - Its high cost, longer examination time, and potential for **false positives** make it unsuitable as a primary imaging modality for initial evaluation of a breast lump. *CT scan* - A **CT scan** is not routinely used for the initial evaluation of breast lesions. - It involves **ionizing radiation** without providing adequate soft tissue resolution for breast tissue characterization. - CT is primarily used for **staging known breast cancers** to assess for locoregional or distant metastasis, rather than for primary diagnosis.

Question 1

On mammogram, all of the following are the features of a malignant tumor except:

Accepted Answer

Macrocalcification

Answer

Microcalcification

Answer

Irregular mass

Answer

Spiculation

Question 2

Mammography can be best used in?

Accepted Answer

Early breast carcinoma

Answer

Mastitis

Answer

Fibroadenoma

Answer

Phylloides tumor

Question 3

Risk of malignancy in BIRADS score 2 is

Accepted Answer

0%

Answer

2-4%

Answer

10%

Answer

50%

Question 4

On mammogram all of the following are the features of a malignant tumor except:

Accepted Answer

Smooth margin

Answer

Spiculation

Answer

High density

Answer

Ill defined margin

Question 5

The most appropriate technique for mammography is:

Accepted Answer

Mediolateral oblique view

Answer

Spot Compression view

Answer

Lateral view

Answer

Craniocaudal view

Question 6

ACR score 4 in breast imaging indicates

Accepted Answer

Suspicious abnormality

Answer

Probably benign

Answer

Highly suggestive of malignancy

Answer

Negative

Question 7

Which finding excludes BIRADS 3 categorization?

Accepted Answer

Architectural distortion

Answer

Normal lymph node

Answer

Simple cyst

Answer

Focal asymmetry

Question 8

A 40-year-old woman with breast implants presents with breast pain after a recent fall. MRI shows the 'linguine sign.' What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Implant rupture

Answer

Fibroadenoma

Answer

Breast carcinoma

Answer

Breast abscess

Question 9

A 60-year-old woman with a family history of breast cancer presents with a newly detected breast mass. What is the first-line imaging modality for its evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Mammography

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

MRI

Answer

CT scan

Question 10

A 50-year-old female presents with a new-onset palpable lump in her breast. What is the most appropriate initial imaging study?

Accepted Answer

Mammography

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

MRI

Answer

CT scan

Breast Imaging — MCQs

Breast Imaging — MCQs

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