Review Article

Fibromatosis: The Breast Cancer Imitator

Authors: Tamera Hughes Matherne, MD, Allan Green, Jr, MD, J Allan Tucker, MD, Donna Lynn Dyess, MD

Abstract

Fibromatosis of the breast is a rare benign tumor that should be included in the differential diagnosis for breast cancer. It is usually indistinguishable from malignancy on ultrasound, mammography, physical examination, and on gross evaluation. Distinction is easily made by histologic findings. This benign tumor does not metastasize, but is locally aggressive and tends to recur postoperatively, which accounts for considerable morbidity. We present two cases and a discussion from the perspective of the radiologist, the surgeon, and the pathologist.


Key Points


* Fibromatosis of the breast is indistinguishable from malignancy on clinical and radiologic examination, and can be identified only after surgical excision and histologic evaluation.


* The etiology of fibromatosis is currently unknown.


* Fibromatosis is locally aggressive and has a high risk of recurrence.

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