Radial Scar

Radial scar is not a scar at all but a benign lesion of the breast made up of fibrous and glandular tissue.

They are usually found on mammography as a stellate (star-shaped) image.  Rarely found on breast examination. Radial scars greater that 1 cm in size are called complex sclerosing lesions.[1]

Because cancers of the breast may also have a stellate appearance, women who have radial scar on mammography are referred to a surgeon for complete excision to rule out breast cancer and eliminate the lesion[2].

Radial scars are not considered precancerous and woman who have had them are not at higher risk of developing cancer.

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[1] Hughes, L. E., Mansel, R. E., Webster, D.J.(2000)  Benign Disorders and Diseases of the Breast: Concepts and Clinical Management. London: Saunders.

[2] Kneece, J (2005). Radial Scar.  Educare: Breast Health Sheets, Sheet 0518.