J Korean Soc Ultrasound Med.  2011 Sep;30(3):223-225.

Nodular Fasciitis of the Chest Wall as seen on Breast Sonography: This Clinically Simulated Palpable Breast Cancer

• Kim WJ
• Lee JH
• Kang EJ
• Kim DC
• Cho SH
• Nam KJ

Abstract

Nodular fasciitis is a rapidly growing benign soft tissue tumor that is related to the fascia and this tumor is generally seen in young and middle aged adults. It is often seen as a subcutaneous solitary nodule in an upper extremity. Clinically, it is often mistaken for a malignancy. We present here a rare case of nodular fasciitis of the chest wall and that was observed on breast sonography (US) and this lesion clinically simulated palpable breast cancer. US may be helpful for evaluating a chest wall lesion that is misunderstood to be a breast lump. So, if the lesion's location is vague, US can reveal the exact location and characteristics of the mass. Although the incidence of nodular fasciitis is rare, nodular fasciitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a lesion is located in the chest wall.

Keyword

Breast; Sonography; Neoplasm; Fasciitis; Thoracic wall

MeSH Terms

Adult
Breast
Breast Neoplasms
Diagnosis, Differential
Fascia
Fasciitis
Humans
Incidence
Middle Aged
Thoracic Wall
Thorax
Upper Extremity