Cystic breast lesions: sonographic findings and clinical management.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews basic sonographic findings for distinguishing cystic lesions of the breast.

METHODS: We describe sonographic features of simple and complicated cysts in comparison with complex masses and intracystic carcinomas.

RESULTS: We correlate cystic lesion appearances with histologic patterns and illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of cystic breast lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is a useful tool in distinguishing simple cysts from complicated cysts and complex masses of the breast.