Sclerosing Adenosis of the Breast: What You Need to Know
The sclerosing adenosis is one benign breast disease, where tissue grows excessively in a specific area, causing local hardening. It occurs most often in women aged 30 to 45 years old and, although it is not malignant, it can mimic features of cancer on imaging tests.
Symptoms of Sclerosing Adenosis
In most cases, the sclerosing adenosis does not cause obvious symptoms and is diagnosed incidentally during a preventive check-up with mammogram. However, some women may feel a small, hard lump, while more rarely it may present located chest pain.
How is the Diagnosis Made?
Diagnosis primarily relies on imaging modalities such as:
- Mammography, may reveal findings like microcalcifications or architectural distortion.
- Breast ultrasound, provides detailed imaging of the affected area.
Because it can mimic radiological and ultrasound features of malignancy, the multimodal approach with a combination of mammography, ultrasound and MRI enhances diagnostic accuracy. Newer studies suggest the use artificial intelligence and automated ultrasound systems (ABVS) to improve diagnosis in difficult cases
It is worth noting that in order to document the final diagnosis, it is necessary to breast biopsy (with a cutting needle or stereotactic).
Treatment and Follow-up
Since the histological examination confirms sclerosing adenosis as a benign condition, no further treatment is required. The only thing recommended is regular monitoring by a specialist mammologist, based on personal history and the proposed screening program.
According to studies in large population groups, women with sclerosing adenoma show slightly increased relative risk for future development of breast cancer, especially if other risk factors or histological markers such as increased Ki-67 expression coexist. For this reason, systematic prevention and information are of crucial importance.
At breastaware.gr You will find valid and complete information about all breast diseases, prevention tips and guidance for proper care of your health. Stay informed – knowledge saves lives!
Bibliography:
- Ma B, Wu G, Zhu H, et al. The Prediction Model of High-Frequency Ultrasound Combined with Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Scoring System Improved the Diagnosis of Sclerosing Adenosis and Early Breast Cancer.Breast Cancer (Dove Med Press). 2025 Feb 7;17:145-155.
- Wang J, Zhang Y, Liu Y, et al. Value of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis of breast sclerosing adenosis associated with malignant lesions
J Clin Ultrasound. 2022 Nov;50(9):1369-1377.
- Zhen Y, Wang H, Wang Q, et al. Ultrasound characteristics of sclerosing adenosis mimicking breast carcinoma. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2020 Jul;182(2):357-364.
- Winham SJ, Mehner C, Heinzen EP, et al. NanoString-based breast cancer risk prediction for women with sclerosing adenosis. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017 Nov;166(2):641-650.
- Nassar A, Hoskin TL, Stallings-Mann ML, et al. Ki-67 expression in sclerosing adenosis and adjacent normal breast terminal ductal lobular units: a nested case-control study from the Mayo Benign Breast Disease Cohort. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2015 May;151(1):89-97.
