Background: High-risk breast lesions, particularly radial scars (RS), intraductal papillomas, atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), pose clinical challenges in terms of their management. Deciding whether surgical excision is necessary relies on the convergence of radiological and pathological findings. In an effort to enhance patient care and decision-making, our practice has implemented regular Radiology-Pathology conferences where radiologists and pathologists collaboratively evaluate biopsy cases with these high-risk lesions to determine management.
Learning Objectives: • To understand the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration between radiologists and pathologists in breast imaging for high-risk lesions, specifically RS, papillomas, ALH, and LCIS. • To explore the criteria used to determine the need for surgical excision in these cases of high-risk breast lesions based on current literature. • To highlight the impact of this collaborative approach on patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.
Abstract Content/Results: In our presentation, we will describe our practice's experience with implementing Radiology-Pathology conferences for the evaluation of high-risk breast lesions, specifically RS, papillomas, ALH and LCIS. The following components will be covered:
• Establishment of Collaborative Conferences: o Description of the process of initiating regular conferences between radiologists and pathologists. o The rationale behind focusing on high-risk lesions, including RS, papillomas, ALH, and LCIS.
• Case Selection and Criteria: o Explanation of the criteria used to identify high-risk breast lesion cases for discussion in the conferences. o Presentation of real-life cases, including imaging findings and pathology results, to illustrate the decision-making process.
• Decision-Making Process: o Insights into the discussions and interactions that occur during these multidisciplinary conferences for each of these high-risk lesions. o How radiological and pathological findings influence decisions regarding surgical excision or conservative management for RS, papillomas, ALH, and LCIS.
• Impact on Patient Outcomes: o Discussion of the impact of this collaborative approach on patient care and outcomes for these specific high-risk breast lesions. o Demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in reducing unnecessary surgeries and optimizing patient management.
Conclusion: The implementation of Radiology-Pathology conferences has proven to be a valuable addition to our practice, enhancing the management of high-risk breast lesions, including RS, papillomas, ALH, and LCIS. Through collaboration between radiologists and pathologists, we have improved decision-making, reduced unnecessary surgical interventions, and optimized patient care for these challenging cases. Attendees of this presentation will gain insights into the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration in breast imaging and its potential to enhance patient outcomes while also managing healthcare resources effectively.
