Sclerosing lesions of the breast, also known as sclerosis of the breast, is a non-cancerous breast condition that occurs as a result of hardened breast tissue. The condition is more common among women who are in their 30s and 40s. It can also develop among men, but is quite rare.
Types of Sclerosing Lesions of the Breast
1. Sclerosing Adenosis
Sclerosing adenosis is a benign breast condition that occurs due to the normal aging process. The condition comes about when the milk-producing glands of the breast, also known as lobules, become enlarged or have extra growth of tissue.
Symptoms of Sclerosing Adenosis
Sclerosing adenosis of the breast does not present any obvious symptoms and is usually first noticed during a routine breast exam while most likely having a test for a different breast problem. Unoccasionally, some symptoms might present themselves, and these include:
- Pain in the breast
- Small lump
Diagnosis of Sclerosing Adenosis
Sclerosis adenosis is considered hard to diagnose. This is because during a mammogram it might present itself like a form of breast cancer. Due to this, a biopsy may be required in order to make a definite diagnosis. The types of biopsies one may have include:
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Vacuum Assisted Biopsy
Vacuum assisted, which you might be offered, involves a process of removing a sample affected breast under local anesthesia, without having a full surgical procedure under general anesthesia. This sample is then taken to the laboratory for further analysis.
During the procedure, a small cut is made on the skin on your breast whereby a probe, which is connected to a vacuum-like device is placed. The affected tissues are then suctioned by the vacuum through the hollow probe into a collecting chamber. The surgeon is usually guided by an ultrasound while performing the procedure.
Although vacuum assisted excision biopsy is considered minimally invasive, there might be bruising and some degree of discomfort after the procedure, which will last for a few days.
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Core Biopsy
During a core biopsy procedure, a hollow needle is used to take several samples of the affected breast tissue to be examined under a microscope.
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Stereotactic Core Biopsy
A stereotactic core biopsy uses a needle biopsy which is connected to a mammogram, which is then connected to a computer. This is because the target area can only be seen with the help of a mammogram, which takes images of the breast in order to guide the needles in taking the affected breast tissue for examination under a microscope.
Treatment of Sclerosing Adenosis
After a definite diagnosis of Sclerosing Adenosis, there will be no further treatment required for the same since it’s a common condition that occurs as a result of the aging process.
Does Sclerosing Adenosis Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?
Being diagnosed with any form of breast lump or breast condition can make one feel uneasy, thinking they are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. Fortunately, Sclerosing Adenosis does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer nor does it ‘eventually turn to breast cancer’. To stay breast aware, you should continue with the routine breast screening as usual, and if you are concerned about any changes that your breasts might have, it is recommended you visit your doctor at the earliest.
2. Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions
Radial scars and complex sclerosing lesions are also described as hardened areas of the breast tissue. They usually appear as a form of breast cancer on a mammogram and are usually similar but larger than sclerosing adenosis. Radial scars are mostly smaller than 1cm, while complex sclerosing lesions are larger than 1cm.
Symptoms of Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions
Radial scars and complex sclerosing lesions do not usually present any obvious symptoms and are usually first noticed during a routine breast exam while most likely having a test for a different breast problem.
Diagnosis of Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions
Radial scars and complex sclerosing lesions are considered hard to diagnose. This is because during a mammogram it might present itself like a form of breast cancer. Due to this, a biopsy may be required in order to make a definite diagnosis.
Treatment of Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions
While the diagnosis can be done with a core biopsy, sometimes the surgeon might recommend an excision biopsy, which removes the radial scars and complex sclerosing lesions entirely. A vacuum assisted biopsy may also be recommended, whereby the scarred or affected tissues are entirely removed and sent for examination at a laboratory to make sure that they are not cancerous.
A follow-up mammogram might be required once the affected area has been entirely removed.
Do Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?
Being diagnosed with any form of breast lump or breast condition can make one feel uneasy, thinking they are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. In the case of Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions the jury is still out on whether they increase the risk of developing breast cancer or ‘if it eventually turns to breast cancer’. On the other hand, some experts believe that the risk of breast cancer is dependent on what other elements are found on the removed tissue. To stay breast aware, you should continue with the routine breast screening as usual, and if you are concerned about any changes that your breasts might have, it is recommended you visit your doctor at the earliest.
Next Steps
At King’s College Hospital London Dubai, our Breast Care Clinic caters to every type of breast cancer and breast conditions. If you are facing any kind of abnormal changes to your breast, regardless how small, get in touch for a consultation with one of our breast doctors. For more information on breast cancer and breast care, book an appointment below.
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