Kendell, Anne Elizabeth

Abstract Patient preferences for communication of breast imaging results are heterogeneous and depend on the clinical context and perceived severity of findings. The 21st Century Cures Act, which mandates immediate electronic release of most medical records, has fundamentally altered result reporting and patient communication in breast imaging. Although this policy enhances transparency and timely access to information, it may conflict with established preferences for how patients receive screening mammography results, diagnostic evaluations, breast biopsy results, and breast cancer risk assessment information. Prior studies—largely conducted before widespread patient portal use—demonstrated that breast imaging patients consistently prioritize timely communication, while preferred delivery methods vary based on result acuity and emotional impact. However, much of this literature pre-dates implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act and widespread use of patient portals. This review examines the current literature to summarize evidence-based patient preferences for breast imaging result communication. As adoption of immediate result release continues to evolve across institutions, understanding contemporary patient preferences is essential to guiding radiologists in optimizing patient-centered communication strategies to inform best practices in breast imaging.

Abstract High-risk breast lesions (HRLs) encompass a heterogeneous group of pathologies that coexist with an adjacent or synchronous malignancy, confer an increased risk of future breast cancer, or warrant surgical consideration because of upgrade potential or local behavior. Despite their clinical importance, management of HRLs remains variable. The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) and the Society of Breast Imaging are collaborating to establish unified, evidence-based guidelines for managing these lesions. While these recommendations are currently in development, this review summarizes the existing literature and current guidance, including ASBrS recommendations, to provide context for multidisciplinary management. The article reviews the histopathologic features, imaging appearance, and management strategies for HRLs, including atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), flat epithelial atypia (FEA), papillomas with and without atypia, radial scar/complex sclerosing lesion (RS/CSL), mucocele-like lesion (MLL), desmoid tumor, and pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH). Recent literature supports nonoperative management for specific radiologic-pathologic concordant lesions, particularly limited ADH, pure FEA, and pure RS, highlighting the important role of multidisciplinary discussion for personalized care. Lesions such as LCIS subtypes, papilloma with atypia, and MLL with atypia continue to warrant excision due to higher reported upgrade rates to malignancy. Beyond short-term management, HRLs such as ADH, ALH, and LCIS serve as biomarkers of long-term breast cancer risk, informing recommendations for surveillance, risk assessment, and chemoprevention counseling. Achieving a consensus among radiology, pathology, and surgical disciplines is essential to ensure oncologic safety while minimizing overtreatment in the era of precision breast care.