Ultrasound Evaluation of the Nipple Areolar Complex

IMAGING FINDINGS: ​​

Sonographic image of the nipple and subareolar region shows no abnormality. Notice the large amount of ultrasound gel used to adequately image the subareolar region.
 
WHY IT MATTERS:

1. Approximately 20% of breast cancers occur in the subareolar region of the breast. In addition, thorough evaluation of this region is required in the workup of nipple discharge, nipple inversion and other common pathology.
   
2. Sonographic evaluation of the nipple-areolar complex can be challenging. The nipple causes extreme shadowing which can limit the ability to visualize underlying pathology. Use a large amount of gel as a standoff to better visualize the nipple and subareolar region.  
   

FURTHER READING:
Nipple-Areolar Complex: Normal Anatomy and Benign and Malignant Processes (RadioGraphics 2009)