Benign Mesenchymal Breast Tumours – A Series of 39 Cases

Abstract

Mesenchymal breast tumours arise in the stroma of the breast and comprise benign, malignant and tumour-like lesions composed mainly of mesenchymal cells. We found 39 lesions that were classified as benign mesenchymal breast tumours from January 2010 until July 2014 and that met our criteria. They include haemangioma, pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH), myofibroblastoma, desmoid-type fibromatosis, angiolipoma and granular cell tumour. Although our series does not reflect the general population because it is based at an oncologic referral centre, it allows us to describe some rare lesions in their typical and unusual presentations.  We define their imaging appearances and provide a short review of the literature, including imaging features and management. Despite their variable appearance, the radiologist must be familiar with these entities to provide the best care regarding the decision to maintain imaging follow up or the need for excision.