IS Case 430: Galactocele
Imaging Sciences URMC 2010
Publication Date: 2010-08-27
History
atient is a 39-year-old female who is 9 weeks postpartum with a palpable lump in the right breast.
Findings
Imaging findings on ultrasound vary based on fat and water components and may be very homogeneously hyperechoic or mixed echogenicity.
Diagnosis
Galactocele
Discussion
Galactocele is the most common benign breast lesion in lactating women. It often manifests after breast-feeding stops when milk is stationary. They are cysts containing milky liquid, frequently have inflammatory or necrotic debris and are often surrounded by a variable-thickness fibrous wall that may be associated inflammation. Galactoceles may contain protein, fat and lactose. They result from duct dilatation. Aspiration is diagnostic and therapeutic. Patients have a normal, thinner consistency of milk during lactation. Thicker milk results from older lesions after cessation of lactation.
On ultrasound, galactoceles look like complicated cysts. Their appearance is secondary to fat and water content. When the galactoceles contain mainly milk, they can look like a benign solid tumor, with the appearance of a well-defined mass containing highly echogenic material and posterior acoustic enhancement. When they contain old milk and water, they are heterogeneous masses with mixed echogenicity. Galactoceles can also contain fat-fluid levels.
References
- Sabate JM, Clotet M, Torrubia S, et al. Radiologic evaluation of breast disorders related to pregnancy and lactation. Radiographics. 2007 Oct;27 Suppl 1:S101-24. PMID: 18180221
- Salvador R, Salvador M, Jimenez JA, Martinez M, Casas L. Galactocele of the breast: radiologic and ultrasonographic findings. Br J Radiol. 1990 Feb;63(746):140-2. PMID: 2178721
- Tavassoli FA. Pathology of the breast. Appleton & Lange, 1992; 193–227.
1 image
