Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia of the breast

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2009 Aug;133(8):1335-8. doi: 10.5858/133.8.1335.

Abstract

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia is a relatively common lesion of the breast. In general, it is less commonly found as a clinically palpable mass and is more commonly found as incidental microscopic foci. It is a benign proliferative, probably neoplastic, hormonally driven process of the mammary stromal myofibroblasts. The clinical, radiologic, and cytologic findings can resemble those of fibroadenoma. Histologically, it can be confused with low-grade angiosarcoma. The exact etiology of pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia is still controversial, but a neoplastic process of the stromal myofibroblasts, with a hormonal stimulus in its development and progression, is the favored theory. Most lesions can be cured by complete surgical excision, and patients undergoing the excision have a good prognosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Breast Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Diseases / pathology*
  • Breast Diseases / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / ultrastructure
  • Hemangiosarcoma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Male
  • Mammography
  • Mastectomy
  • Prognosis
  • Stromal Cells / ultrastructure
  • Tamoxifen / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Biomarkers
  • Tamoxifen