On mammogram all of the following are the features of a malignant tumor except –
**Core Concept**
Mammography is a crucial tool in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. The features of a malignant tumor on mammogram can help differentiate it from a benign lesion. A malignant tumor typically exhibits certain characteristics that can be identified through mammographic imaging.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Malignant tumors on mammogram often exhibit irregular margins, microcalcifications, and an increase in density. The irregular margins can be spiculated or pleomorphic, indicating a lack of smooth, well-defined borders. Microcalcifications are small, discrete calcium deposits that can be linear, segmental, or clustered, often indicating a malignant process. An increase in density can be due to the presence of malignant cells, which can cause a change in the radiographic appearance of the breast tissue.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Irregular margins are a characteristic of malignant tumors, so this option is incorrect.
**Option B:** Microcalcifications are often associated with malignant tumors, so this option is incorrect.
**Option C:** Increase in density is a feature of malignant tumors, so this option is incorrect.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A classic mammographic feature of a malignant tumor is the "clustered ring sign," where a cluster of microcalcifications is surrounded by a ring of tissue.
**Correct Answer: D.**