Probably benign palpable lumps in women over 50-is surgery the only option?

This was a retrospective case note and radiological review of 58 women who were found to have a palpable breast mass when recalled to the South West London Breast Screening Service from January 1992 to May 1997. All women had masses which were benign on the triple test and had a minimum follow-up of 18 months. Fifty-two women fulfilled the inclusion criteria of which 47 at follow-up showed no changes clinically and on imaging and were discharged back to the breast screening programme. None have subsequently presented with interval cancers. Three women showed changes on follow-up. Surgical excision was advised. Two masses were confirmed to be benign. The other woman refused surgery but a phyllodes tumour is suspected. Conservative management of palpable benign breast lumps in the screening age group is acceptable provided that all assessment criteria are benign and follow-up is performed.