Image presentation. The nipple-areolar complex: a pictorial review of common and uncommon conditions

J Ultrasound Med. 2010 Jun;29(6):949-62. doi: 10.7863/jum.2010.29.6.949.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this presentation is to show the radiologic findings of normal variants and benign and malignant diseases that affect the nipple-areolar complex.

Methods: We evaluated the imaging findings of nipple-areolar complex lesions, using multiple breast imaging modalities including mammography, sonography, galactography, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

Results: Radiologic features of nipple-areolar complex lesions, including Montgomery tubercles, nipple inversion, benign calcifications, inflammation, duct dilatations, intraductal papillomas, fibroadenomas, neurofibromatosis, dermatosis of the nipple, and breast malignancy, have been illustrated.

Conclusions: A clinical examination is essential and an appropriate imaging evaluation with multiple modalities is often necessary to accurately diagnose an underlying abnormality of the nipple-areolar complex. Given the limitations of conventional mammography, supplemental mammographic views often are needed, and sonography may be performed to further characterize a mammographic or clinical finding. Also, contrast-enhanced MRI may be useful for additional evaluation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Diseases / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mammography
  • Nipples / diagnostic imaging*
  • Nipples / pathology
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media