Intracystic/Intraductal Mass
This chapter, appearing in the section on nipple, skin, and lymph nodes, reviews the key clinical features, associated imaging findings, imaging protocols and pitfalls, differential diagnoses, and management recommendations for intracystic and intraductal masses. The differential diagnoses of intraductal and intracystic masses are similar, with papilloma the most common cause for both. Therefore, we review descriptive terms for both together, with similar implications and management recommendations. Intracystic masses have a higher association with malignancy than intraductal masses, due in part to overlap of imaging appearances of intracystic mass and complex cystic and solid mass. Topics discussed include intraductal and intracystic masses, evaluation of ducts, papilloma, papillary carcinoma and nipple discharge.