ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF PALPABLE BREAST MASSES

Abstract

PURPOSE : To retrospectively evaluate the sonographic findings and the diagnostic value of sonography in palpable breast masses at Phayao Hospital by using terminology of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) in order to categorize lesions from the sonograms and compare them with the histopathologic reports of the masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS : Sonographic studies of 27 patients with palpable breast mass(es) which were histopathologically proven between January 1, 2007 and October 31, 2007 at Phayao Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Each lesion was evaluated using the sonographic BI-RADS terminology and assigned a final BI-RADS category. The final assessment of sonographic BI-RADS and biopsy results were compared.

RESULTS :The sonographic BI-RADS classifications of all 27 patients were as follows : BI-RADS 5 in7 patients,BI-RADS4 in 6 patients,BI-RADS3 in 8 patients and BI-RADS 2 in 6 patients. Of the 7 patients in the BI-RADS 5 category, 4 patients had malignant tumors, 2 patients had mastitis with abscesses, and 1 patient had fibroadenoma. One patient in the BI-RADS 4 one patient in the BI-RADS 3 and one patient in the BI-RADS 2 categories had chronic inflammation, hemolysed blood,and lipoma,respectively. The remaining 17 patients in the BI-RADS 2,3,4 categories had fibroadenomas or fibrocystic changes.

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is a useful available and inexpensive method in the early detection and diagnosis of palpable breast masses, particularly in small hospitals which do not have mammographic x-ray equipment and in which most of the patients have economic problems. The sonographic BI-RADS descriptors and categories are also very helpful in catagorizing lesions, making management recommendations and differentiating between benign and malignant masses.