What term describes the borders of lesions in the breast that can appear in various shapes?

In breast imaging, the term used to describe the borders of lesions that can appear in various shapes is "irregular." This descriptor is important because the shape and contour of a lesion can provide vital information about its nature, potential malignancy, and the need for further investigation.

Irregular margins are often associated with malignancies, as tumors can grow in a disorganized fashion, resulting in edges that are not smooth or well-defined. Such characteristics can suggest an infiltrative growth pattern where the lesion is extending into surrounding tissue, which raises clinical suspicion for cancer.

On the other hand, more defined or regular borders typically suggest benign lesions, as they tend to have smoother and clearer contours. This distinction is crucial in mammography for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Understanding the significance of border characteristics aids radiologists and clinicians in interpreting mammograms and making informed decisions regarding patient management.