Architectural Distortion

Architectural distortion per se is not a mass. It is a desmoplastic reaction in which there is focal disruption of the normal breast tissue pattern. Radiographically it appears as a distortion in which surrounding breast tissues appear to be "pulled inward" into a focal point. Often, it can be best perceived at the interface between breast parenchyma and subcutaneous and retromammary fat. Architectural distortion can also appear within the breast parenchyma itself, in which case it may be best appreciated from a distance.

While architectural distortion is a localizing sign of cancer, a surgical scar, fibrocystic change, and in some cases, the superimposition of breast tissues may give the same appearance. An architectural distortion should always be further evaluated, and if there are no clinical explanations for its possible appearance, biopsy is the recommended course.