AbstractAim: The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome of sonography and mammography in women with breast pain.
Methods: All women with diffuse & focal breast pain referred to the Department of Radiology were included in the study. During the study period, a total of 450 patients underwent Breast Imaging. Pain alone was mentioned as reason of referral in 100 cases (22.22%).
Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 36. 23 (range 17-60 years). 20 patients (20%) had family history of breast cancer and 10 (10%) had history of Hormone use at the time of examinations. The Imaging findings on the painful; breasts were: 70 (70%) normal, 28 (28%) Benign and 2 (2%) had suspicious imaging findings of malignancy. The findings in the rest of the breasts were mild alteration in density and echo texture. FNA cytology examination was suspicious for cancer in 2 patients and 30 was benign. The negative predictive value in our study was 90%.
Conclusion: The primary use of sonography and Mammography in women with breast pain seems reassuring for the patients and clinicians. The primary value of breast imaging in women with painful breasts seems to be that of reassurance, as no abnormalities are usually detected, radiological abnormalities classified as benign do not generally have any clinical consequences, and the prevalence of cancer in a painful area is low.
