Overview of incidental breast lesions

Abstract

Screening mammography identifies early-stage breast cancers and is associated with reduced breast cancer mortality. An unintended consequence of breast screening is the detection and diagnosis of multiple incidental benign and malignant breast lesions, including the heterogenous group of incidental benign (B3) lesions with uncertain biological outcomes and malignant potential, for which management remains controversial. Recent shifts toward more conservative management approaches, including the identification of patients who can undergo observation after vacuum-assisted excision, has gained interest. This commentary provides an overview of incidental B3 lesions and summarizes the current management paradigms for them.