Incidental detection of probably benign breast masses on screening ultrasound: is follow up an acceptable alternative to biopsy?

Purpose: To determine whether nonpalpable solid breast masses that were incidentally detected on screening ultrasound and which were subsequently classified as probably benign can be safely managed with follow-up. Materials and methods: In 438 women 479 nonpalpable solid masses were incidentally detected and classified as probably benign at ultrasound, according to sonomorphologic criteria listed in the BI-RADS category 3 for ultrasound; at mammography these masses were either partially or completely obscured by dense fibroglandular tissue. 476 of the 479 masses were followed, while in the other three masses bio…