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July 2009

Mass lesion in the breast
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Clinical information

Palpable mass lesions in the breast, and upper arm

Ultrasound Images & Clips

57 year old female patient, Palpable mass lesions in the breast, and upper arm

Lesion in the right breast with an inhomogeneous structure
Lesion in the right breast with an inhomogeneous structure
Image of the same breast lesion
Image of the same breast lesion
Color Doppler shows some internal vascularity
Color Doppler shows some internal vascularity
Longitudinal ultrasound image of the palpable mass in the upper arm. The lesion shows an ultrasound appearance similar to the lesion in the breast.
Longitudinal ultrasound image of the palpable mass in the upper arm. The lesion shows an ultrasound appearance similar to the lesion in the breast.
Transverse ultrasound image of the palpable mass in the upper arm. The lesion shows an ultrasound appearance similar to the lesion in the breast.
Transverse ultrasound image of the palpable mass in the upper arm. The lesion shows an ultrasound appearance similar to the lesion in the breast.
Color Doppler image of the same lesion in the upper arm with only some peripheral vascularity
Color Doppler image of the same lesion in the upper arm with only some peripheral vascularity
A third lesion was encountered in the right axilla. An ultrasound guided biopsy was performed of all three lesions. The biopsy specimens were much darker than usual.
A third lesion was encountered in the right axilla. An ultrasound guided biopsy was performed of all three lesions. The biopsy specimens were much darker than usual.

Conclusion

All three lesions proved to be melanoma. The patient had no previous history of a melanoma and no signs of a cutaneous melanoma was found.
Malignant melanoma is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the world. Metastatic disease occurs in 20% of patients. Metastases to the breast are rare. Melanoma is, however, among the most commonly reported primary tumors to metastasize to the breast. With the increasing incidence of melanoma, this complication is being encountered with greater frequency.

References            
Ravdel L, Robinson WA, Lewis K, Gonzalez R. Metastatic melanoma in the breast: a report of 27 cases.
J Surg Oncol. 2006 Aug 1;94(2):101-4.

Details

  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 57

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  • Fujifilm Ultrasound System
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photo Taco Geertsma
Author

Dr. Taco Geertsma

Retired Radiologist, Gelderse Vallei Hospital

Dr. Taco Geertsma is the founder of UltrasoundCases.info and a retired radiologist and has worked in the Gelderse Vallei hospital from January 1, 1983. till July 1, 2014. He was the head of the ultrasound department for many years.

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