What You Need to Know About Radial Scars and Breast Cancer Risk

A radial scar, sometimes referred to as a complex sclerosing lesion, is a type of breast mass that may be associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Limited research suggests that someone who has been diagnosed with a radial scar is up to 1.6 times more likely to get breast cancer in their lifetime than a person who has not had one.

This type of mass may be benign or contain a mixture of tissue, including cancer cells or atypia hyperplasia (an overgrowth of abnormal cells). Radial scars are rare in women younger than 30, and most often appear in women aged 30 to 60.

Definition

A radial scar is a growth in the breast that resembles a scar when viewed under a microscope. It has a core with ducts and lobules growing out of it.

A radial scar may also be referred to as:

• A "black star"
• Sclerosing papillary proliferation
• Infiltrating epitheliosis
• Indurative mastopathy

A radial scar may contain atypical hyperplasia (an overgrowth of abnormal cells) and/or cancer cells, both of which are more likely to occur in masses that are 6 millimeters or larger. A "radial scar without atypia" means the mass is benign and does not contain abnormal cell growth.

Diagnosis

Radial scars are most often discovered during a mammogram or a biopsy that's done for another purpose. If a test shows you have a breast lesion, your healthcare provider may order further tests, such as:

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast
• Biopsy (removal of cells to be examined by a pathologist)

Breast Cancer Risk

There have been limited studies on the connection between radial scars and the future occurrence of breast cancer. However, one research review suggests that someone who has been diagnosed with a radial scar is up to 1.6 times more likely to get breast cancer in their lifetime than a person who has not had one.

Treatment

A healthcare provider may recommend frequent imaging tests to monitor a radial scar. However, most often they are surgically removed since there is a chance they may include cancer cells. This may be done at the same time as a surgical biopsy or a lumpectomy, depending on the scar's size. The tissue is then examined and tested in a lab.

• If the tissue does not contain any invasive breast cancer cells, no further treatment is needed.
• If the tissue does contain breast cancer cells, treatment options may include radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Prevention

Radial scars can't be prevented. However, if you are diagnosed with this type of mass, your healthcare provider may suggest steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

This may include:

• Frequent breast screening to document any changes
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol

Summary

A radial scar is a breast growth that looks like a scar when its cells are viewed under a microscope. It is usually found when a diagnostic test—such as a mammogram or ultrasound—is done for another reason.

Radial scars may contain cancer cells or an overgrowth of abnormal cells, so they are usually removed. Research suggests that radial scars may slightly increase a person's risk of breast cancer, but further research is needed to understand this connection.