The Role of Sonography in Patients with Breast Cancer Presenting as an Axillary Mass

Objective

To compare sonography and mammography in terms of their diagnostic value in breast cancer cases which initially presented as an axillary mass without a palpable mass or other clinical symptoms.

Materials and Methods

Seven patients with enlarged axillary lymph nodes who first presented with no evidence of palpable breast lesions and who underwent both mammography and sonography were enrolled in this study. In six of the seven, the presence of metastatic adenocarcinoma was confirmed preoperatively by axillary needle aspiration biopsy; in four, subsequent sonographically-guided breast core biopsy performed after careful examination of the primary site indicated that primary breast cancer was present. In each case, the radiologic findings were evaluated by both breast sonography and mammography.

Results

Breast lesions were detected mammographically in four of seven cases (57%); in three of the four, the lesion presented as a mass, and in one as microcalcification. In three of these four detected cases, fatty or scattered fibroglandular breast parenchyma was present; in one, the parenchyma was dense. In the three cases in which lesions were not detected, mammography revealed the presence of heterogeneously dense parenchyma. Breast sonography showed that lesions were present in six of seven cases (86%); in the remaining patient, malignant microcalcification was detected at mammography. Final pathologic examination indicated that all breast lesions except one, which was a ductal carcinoma in situ, with microinvasion, were infiltrating ductal carcinomas whose size ranged from microscopic to greater than 3 cm. At the time of this study, all seven patients were alive and well, having been disease free for up to 61 months after surgery.

Conclusion

In women with a palpable axillary mass confirmed as metastatic adenocarcinoma, breast sonography may be a valuable adjunct to mammography.     

Follow-up of palpable circumscribed noncalcified solid breast masses at mammography and US: can biopsy be averted?

PURPOSE: To determine whether palpable noncalcified solid breast masses with benign morphology at mammography and ultrasonography (US) can be managed similarly to nonpalpable probably benign lesions (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS] category 3)-that is, with periodic imaging surveillance-and to determine whether biopsy can be averted in these lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: No institutional review board approval or patient consent was required. This retrospective analysis, based on final imaging reports, included 152 patients (age range, 28-77 years; mean age, 48.3 years) with 157 palpable noncalcified solid masses that were classified as probably benign at initial mammography and US. Of 152 patients, 108 underwent follow-up with mammography and US (6-month intervals for 2 years, then 12-month intervals). The remaining 44 patients underwent surgical or needle biopsy after initial imaging. Lesions were analyzed at initial and follow-up examinations. Statistical analysis included Student t test and corresponding exact 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: In 108 patients who underwent follow-up only, 112 lesions were palpable. In 102 (94.4%) of 108 patients, masses remained stable during follow-up. Lesions were followed for at least 2 years (mean, 4.1 years; range, 2-7 years). In six (5.6%) patients, palpable lesions increased in size during follow-up; these lesions were benign at subsequent open biopsy. No breast carcinoma was diagnosed in the 44 patients with 45 palpable lesions who underwent biopsy after initial imaging. Of 157 lesions, no malignant tumors were observed (exact one-sided 95% confidence interval: 0%, 1.95%). CONCLUSION: The data strongly suggest that palpable noncalcified solid breast masses with benign morphology at mammography and US can be managed similarly to nonpalpable BI-RADS category 3 lesions, with short-term follow-up (6-month intervals for 2 years). More data, based on a larger series, are required to determine whether this conclusion is correct.     

Role of ultrasonography in detecting mammographically occult breast carcinoma in women with dense breasts

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of routine ultrasonography in women with negative mammography and dense breasts [Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS D3-4)]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We applied a protocol involving routine ultrasonography in a consecutive series of subjects with negative mammography and dense breasts. After evaluation by internal and external reviewers of cancers detected by ultrasonography performed to confirm negative mammography, we determined the additional cancer detection rate of ultrasonography and the cost of the protocol. RESULTS: Out of 17,883 total mammographies, 167 cancers were diagnosed (detection rate: 0.93%). Out of 257 suspicious mammographies, 138 cancers were detected. Out of 17,626 negative mammographies, 6,449 (36.5%) were classified as "dense breast" and underwent ultrasonography: 29 cancers were detected (detection rate: 0.44%, or 17.3% of total cancers). Out of 25 cancer cases reviewed, negative mammography and asymptomatic status was confirmed in 15 (detection rate 0.23%, or 8.9% of total cancers). The cancer detection rate was 0.11%, 0.22%, 0.32% and 0.14% for age groups <40, 40-49, 50-59 and >59, respectively. The cost per additional carcinoma detected by ultrasonography alone was euro 25,847.85 whereas that per examined woman was euro 21.68. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the possibility that ultrasonography can detect mammographically occult breast carcinoma in dense breasts. The evidence is insufficient to recommend this policy in routine screening practice but suggests that, at least in current clinical practice, adding ultrasonography in dense breasts may be useful despite the substantial costs.     

Imaging of breast cancer diagnosed and treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess mammography, high-frequency-transducer ultrasonography (US), and color Doppler US for the initial and subsequent evaluation of breast cancer diagnosed and treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of clinical records between January 1989 and December 2003 of women with breast cancer diagnosed and treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy was performed after waiver of informed consent was obtained. The study was approved by an institutional review board and was HIPAA compliant. Mammograms and sonograms were reviewed by two mammographers using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) mammographic and US lexicon. US assessment of the regional lymph node basins, including the axillary, infraclavicular, internal mammary, and supraclavicular regions, was documented. US was used to evaluate response to therapy in the breast and the regional lymph nodes in women who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Twenty-three women with 24 cancers that were imaged prior to surgery with mammography (n = 3), US (n = 4), or mammography and US (n = 17) were included in the study. The histologic diagnosis of the primary tumor was invasive ductal cancer in 22 lesions, and the diagnosis was invasive carcinoma in the two other cancers. The median age in this study was 34 years (range, 24-45 years). Of the 20 women who underwent preoperative mammography, findings were positive for malignancy in 18 of 20 (90%) cancers despite dense breast parenchymal patterns (BI-RADS types 3 and 4). A mass in all 21 cancers (100%) was depicted in the 20 women who underwent breast and nodal US. US correctly depicted axillary metastasis in 15 of 18 women who underwent US nodal assessment. Of the 12 patients who were evaluated for response to chemotherapy, US demonstrated complete response in two patients, partial response in three, stable findings in one, and progression of disease in six. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is mammographically evident despite dense parenchymal background. US, when performed, demonstrates all masses and provides information regarding response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.     

Palpable breast thickening: role of mammography and US in cancer detection

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of breast carcinoma and ascertain the diagnostic yield of mammography and breast ultrasonography (US) in the detection of breast carcinoma in women with palpable breast thickening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-three consecutive cases of breast thickening (103 patients) during a 1-year period were reviewed. Experienced breast examiners prospectively identified patients with breast thickening. Results of diagnostic mammographic work-up, breast US, breast biopsy, and clinical follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Six (5%) of 123 cases had a diagnosis of breast carcinoma; five (83%) of the six had invasive carcinoma. Mammography was performed in all cases, US in 77 (63%) cases. Mammographic sensitivity for invasive cancer detection was 60% (three of five cases), specificity was 94% (102 of 108 cases), and negative predictive value was 97% (102 of 105 cases). Sensitivity of US alone was 100% (two of two cases), specificity was 96% (65 of 68 cases), and negative predictive value was 100% (65 of 65 cases). The combined negative predictive value of mammography and US was 100%. Patients with prior biopsies at the site of palpable thickening accounted for most false-negative mammograms. Median time to initiate follow-up of patients in whom biopsy was not performed was 14 months. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer was discovered in 5% of women with palpable breast thickening. Women with negative mammograms and US scans are at low risk for cancer but should, in our opinion, be followed up at short-term intervals with clinical examination and imaging if biopsy is not elected by their surgeon or clinician.     

Breast conservation therapy in patients with mammographically undetected breast cancer.

The authors reviewed their experience with 542 patients with breast cancer who were treated with conservative surgery and radiation therapy (CSRT) and analyzed the outcome in those patients whose tumors could not be detected with mammography. Fifty-five of the patients (10.1%) had a palpable, pathologically confirmed breast carcinoma and a negative preoperative mammogram. Routine follow-up included annual mammography and physical examination. The local recurrence, 5-year actuarial survival, and 5-year disease-free survival rates for these 55 patients did not differ significantly from those for patients with positive mammograms. There were six cases of local breast recurrence in this subgroup. Four of five cases were visible on mammograms (one patient did not undergo mammography at the time of recurrence); two of the cases were detected with mammography alone following physical examination with negative results. The authors conclude that patients with palpable but mammographically occult early-stage breast cancer are suitable candidates for CSRT and that mammography is a mandatory part of follow-up of conservatively treated patients.     

Contrast-enhanced MR mammography for evaluation of the contralateral breast in patients with diagnosed unilateral breast cancer or high-risk lesions

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate accuracy of gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) mammography for depiction of synchronous contralateral breast cancer in patients with newly diagnosed unilateral breast cancer or high-risk lesions, with histologic analysis or follow-up as reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study had ethics committee approval; all patients provided written informed consent. One hundred eighteen consecutive women (mean age, 52 years) with unilateral breast cancer or high-risk lesions and negative findings in the contralateral breast at physical examination, ultrasonography, and conventional mammography underwent gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced 1.5-T MR mammography. Transverse three-dimensional T1-weighted gradient-echo images were acquired before and at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 minutes after gadobenate dimeglumine administration (0.1 mmol per kilogram body weight). Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) was used to categorize breast density and the level of suspicion for malignant contralateral breast lesions. Results were compared with histologic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for contrast-enhanced MR mammography were evaluated. RESULTS: Contrast-enhanced MR mammography revealed contralateral lesions in 28 (24%) of 118 patients. Twenty-four lesions were detected in patients with dense breasts (BI-RADS breast density category III or IV). Lesions in eight (29%) of 28 patients were BI-RADS category 4; patients underwent biopsy. Lesions in 20 (71%) patients were BI-RADS category 5; patients underwent surgery. At histologic analysis, 22 lesions were confirmed as malignant; six lesions were fibroadenomas. No false-negative lesions were detected; none of the fibroadenomas were BI-RADS category 5. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of contrast-enhanced MR mammography for depiction of malignant or high-risk contralateral lesions were 100%, 94%, 95%, 79%, and 100%, respectively. Follow-up findings (12-24 months) confirmed absence of contralateral lesions in 90 of 118 patients with negative contrast-enhanced MR mammographic findings in the contralateral breast. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced MR mammography is accurate for detection of synchronous contralateral cancer or high-risk lesions in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer or high-risk lesions.     

Contribution of 99mTc-anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibody and 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography in the evaluation of high risk palpable breast lesions

Mammography is the screening test of choice for breast cancer. Its low specificity leads to a large number of unnecessary biopsies. Scintimammography, with either Tc-sestamibi (MIBI) or Tc-anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) Fab', has been proposed as a non-invasive test to lower the high false positive rate of mammography in certain patients. The two agents have not been compared, nor has their combined application been evaluated. We performed a prospective, non-randomized, open-label, single-centre study of 32 women with clinically and mammographically suspected breast cancer [Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS, American College of Radiology) 4 or 5]. All patients underwent Tc-MIBI and Tc-anti-CEA Fab' scintimammography, and the results were correlated with histopathology. Overall, the accuracies for MIBI and CEA scans were 90.3% (28/31) and 77.4% (24/31), respectively. The probability of disease after mammography was 0.939+/-0.081 (95% confidence interval, CI). The post-mammography probabilities after positive MIBI or CEA scan were 0.965 and 0.960, respectively, and after negative MIBI or CEA scan 0.750 and 0.875, respectively. None of the above differences is significant. The post-test probability when both scans were positive (irrespective of which was performed first) was 0.977. It can be concluded that there are indications that scintimammography with Tc-MIBI is superior to that with Tc-anti-CEA Fab' when these tests are used as screening tests for breast cancer. However, mammography remains the screening test of choice for highly suspicious clinically palpable breast lesions. In this group of patients, the application of scintimammography with either Tc-MIBI or Tc-anti-CEA Fab' (alone or in combination) offers no additional advantage.     

超声与X线摄影联合应用在乳腺癌诊断中的价值

目的：评价超声、X线摄影和两者联合应用对乳腺癌的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析我院经病理证实的81例乳腺癌患者的超声和X线摄影检查结果,并与病理结果进行对照分析。结果超声诊断乳腺癌63例,诊断准确率78％;X线摄影诊断乳腺癌65例,诊断准确率80％;两者联合诊断乳腺癌76例,诊断准确率94％,较两者单独使用诊断准确率明显提高（P＜0．05）。结论超声和X线摄影是筛查和诊断乳腺癌的首选方法,两者具有互补性,联合应用可提高乳腺癌的诊断准确率,降低误漏诊率。     

PET-CT与钼靶X线、B超定性诊断乳腺癌的临床对比研究

目的 探讨18F-氟代脱氧葡萄糖(18F-FDG)PET-CT诊断乳腺癌的临床应用价值。方法 60例临床怀疑乳腺癌的患者分别行B超、钼靶X线乳腺摄影和PET-CT检查。结合术后病理,比较PET-CT、B超、钼靶X线乳腺摄影诊断乳腺癌的结果。结果 手术病理证实乳腺癌48例,良性病变12例。PET-CT目测法诊断乳腺癌的灵敏度、特异度、准确率及阳性预测值分别为93.8%、83.3%、91.7%及95.7%,钼靶X线法分别为81.3%、83.3%、81.7%及95.1%,B超法分别为85.4%、83.3%、85.0%及95.3%。三种方法对乳腺癌的诊断效能无显著差异性(χ2=3.40,P>0.5)。结论 18F-FDGPET-CT诊断乳腺癌具有很好的临床应用价值,并能对乳腺癌的分期提供更多的信息。     

Clinical utility of bilateral whole-breast US in the evaluation of women with dense breast tissue.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical utility of bilateral whole-breast ultrasonography (US) as an adjunct examination to mammography in asymptomatic women with dense (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS] density category 3 or 4) breast tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1998 and April 2000, 1,862 patients with negative findings at clinical examinations, negative mammographic results, and breast tissue with BI-RADS category 3 or 4 density were evaluated with bilateral whole-breast US for occult cystic and solid masses, areas of architectural distortion, and acoustic shadowing. Suggestive findings were compared with tissue diagnoses from US-guided core biopsy specimens. US was initially performed by a US or a mammography technologist. The average time to perform the examination was approximately 10 minutes. Abnormal findings were corroborated by a fellowship-trained breast-imaging radiologist. RESULTS: In the 1,862 women examined with bilateral whole-breast US, 57 biopsies were recommended in 56 patients; follow-up data were available in 51 of the 56 patients. Six breast cancers were detected (cancer detection rate, 0.3%). CONCLUSION: Bilateral whole-breast US, when performed in patients with dense (BI-RADS category 3 or 4 density) breast tissue, is useful in detecting breast cancer not discovered with mammography or clinical breast examination. The 0.3% cancer detection rate compares favorably with that of screening mammography and with that in previously published studies involving bilateral whole-breast US.     

Breast cancer: mammographic and sonographic findings after augmentation mammoplasty

The authors retrospectively reviewed 11 cases of breast cancer in patients who had undergone augmentation mammoplasty. The mammogram or sonogram was abnormal in 10 patients, including six with an abnormal mammographic density or ultrasound study and four with calcifications. One patient had dense breasts and no suspicious findings at mammography. In four patients without palpable findings in the breast, the malignancy was initially detected by means of mammography. In five of six patients with a palpable breast mass, special mammographic views and sonography were helpful in evaluating the mass. Lymph nodes were not involved in six (60%) of the 10 patients with ductal carcinomas. The detection of breast cancer in the augmented breast by means of mammography is possible, even in patients without palpable findings. Modified-position views and sonography may be helpful in evaluating palpable masses. Patients with implants who develop cancer do not necessarily present at a more advanced stage.     

Breast MR imaging screening in 192 women proved or suspected to be carriers of a breast cancer susceptibility gene: preliminary results

PURPOSE: To compare magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with conventional imaging in screening high-risk women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective trial included 192 asymptomatic and six symptomatic women who, on the basis of personal or family history or genetic analysis, were suspected or proved to carry a breast cancer susceptibility gene. RESULTS: Fifteen breast cancers were identified: nine in the 192 asymptomatic women (six in the first and three in the second screening round) and six in the symptomatic patients. Concerning the asymptomatic women, four of the nine breast cancers were detected and correctly classified with mammography and ultrasonography (US) combined; another two cancers were visible as well-circumscribed masses and were diagnosed as fibroadenomas. MR imaging allowed the correct classification and local staging of all nine cancers. In 105 asymptomatic women with validation of the 1st-year screening results, the sensitivities of mammography, US, and MR imaging were 33%, 33% (mammography and US combined, 44%), and 100%, respectively; the positive predictive values were 30%, 12%, and 64%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of MR imaging is significantly higher than that of conventional imaging in screening high-risk women. Difficulties can be caused by an atypical manifestation of hereditary breast cancers at both conventional and MR imaging and by contrast material enhancement associated with hormonal stimulation.     

Effect of adding screening ultrasonography to screening mammography on patient recall and cancer detection rates: A retrospective study in Japan

Purpose

To determine whether adding screening ultrasonography to screening mammography can reduce patient recall rates and increase cancer detection rates.

Materials and methods

We analyzed the results of mammography and ultrasonography breast screenings performed at the Total Health Evaluation Center Tsukuba, Japan, between April 2011 and March 2012. We also reviewed the modalities and results of diagnostic examinations from women with mammographic abnormalities who visited the Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital for further testing.

Results

Of 11,753 women screened, cancer was diagnosed in 10 (0.22%) of the 4529 participants who underwent mammography alone, 23 (0.37%) of the 6250 participants who underwent ultrasonography alone, and 5 (0.51%) of the 974 participants who underwent mammography and ultrasonography. The recall rate due to mammographic abnormalities was 4.9% for women screened only with mammography and 2.6% for those screened with both modalities. The cancer detection rate was 0.22% for women screened only with mammography (positive predictive value, 4.5%) and 0.31% for those screened with both modalities (positive predictive value, 12.0%).Of the 211 lesions presenting as mammographic abnormalities investigated further, diagnostic ultrasonography found no abnormalities in 63 (29.9%) and benign findings in 69 (33.7%). The rest 36.4% needed mammography, cytological or histological examinations or follow-up in addition to diagnostic ultrasonography.

Conclusions

It is possible to reduce the recall rate in screening mammography by combining mammography and ultrasonography for breast screening.     

Preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging: applications in clinical practice

Results of large randomized trials have shown that survival rates after breast conserving surgery are equivalent to those obtained by radical mastectomy. Breast conserving surgery with wide local excision in women with early stage breast cancer who are thought to have a single and resectable tumour as determined by clinical examination and conventional imaging followed by postoperative irradiation is the standard of care in early breast cancer. Mapping of local disease is the key element to guide optimal surgery to obtain tumour-free margins, thereby decreasing risk of local recurrence. The usual preoperative workup of breast malignancy consists of clinical breast examination and mammography with or without ultrasound. However, mammography and ultrasound fail to accurately assess tumour extent in as many as a third of patients eligible for breast conserving therapy. It is well established that magnetic resonance imaging is far superior to mammography (with and without ultrasound) for mapping the local extent of breast cancer. Experts advocate its use despite its high costs, high number of false positive findings, and lack of evidence from randomized prospective trials and, notably, fear of "overtreatment." This article discusses the current role of breast magnetic resonance imaging with its clinical advantages and applications.     

High-frequency ultrasound in the study of male breast palpable masses

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of high frequency colour-Doppler ultrasound in the study of diffuse or local breast nodules in males, and compare these results with those of mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 105 men aged between 12 and 82 years (mean age 42.3 years) with a palpable breast mass with or without pain. All patients underwent clinical and ultrasound examination. Seventy-eight also underwent mammography, whereas 27 did not because of young age (under 25 years) (n=10), no clinical or sonographic suspicion of a malignant mass (n=16), and ulcerated neoplastic lesion (n=1). The final diagnosis derived from surgery in six patients and from three-year follow-up for 99 patients. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients had gynecomastia (85%), nine had adipomastia (8%), one had fibrolipoma (1%), five had carcinoma (5%) (invasive ductal carcinoma in four and bifocal ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma in one patient) and one had liposarcoma (1%). The clinical examination detected a bilateral (n=66) or unilateral (n=39) breast mass. Ultrasonography provided the correct diagnosis of diffuse nodular pathology in all cases and orientated diagnosis towards malignancy (6 cases) or benignity (1 case) of the lesions. No additional information was obtained from mammography, as compared to high-frequency ultrasonography. The integration of colour-Doppler in the examination was of little use as it demonstrated extensive vascularisation of most (5 cases) of the malignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ultrasound allows the detection and characterization of palpable breast masses as well as correct local staging of neoplasms by identifying the degree of infiltration of the surrounding tissues.     

早期乳腺癌的超声和X线摄影的对照研究

目的 探讨早期乳腺癌的超声和X线的特征性表现,提高其诊断率。材料与方法 50例乳腺癌和20例乳腺良性病变均行B超和X线检查,乳腺摄片时间为月经后10天内,所有病例均经病理证实。结果 B超诊断早期乳腺癌39例,其敏感性和特异性分别为78．0％和85．0％,准确性为80．0％;X线诊断早期乳癌41例,其敏感性和特异性分别为82．0％和90．05,准确性为84．3％。二者综合诊断,其敏感性和特异性为96．0％和76．5％,准确性为90．4％。结论 二者综合检查可提高早期乳腺癌诊断的敏感性和准确性。     

乳腺DR在农村地区对触诊阴性乳腺癌的诊断价值

目的：探讨乳腺 DR 检查在农村地区触诊阴性乳腺癌检出中的作用。方法随机选取2012年本院13700例来院检查的当地妇女中的6754例,不论临床医生是否触及肿块(年龄30~83岁),均进行乳腺 X 线检查。结果6754例 X 线检查报告中,考虑乳腺癌72例(72/6754),其中临床触诊阳性乳腺癌患者59例(59/72),临床触诊阴性乳腺癌患者13例(13/72),年龄在35~77岁之间(临床触诊阴性患者)。临床触诊阴性乳腺癌病理所见原位癌6例、导管内癌3例、浸润性导管癌4例。结论乳腺 X 线检查利于较早发现临床触诊阴性乳腺癌,提高乳腺癌的早期诊断率。     

Clinical impact of the use of additional ultrasonography in diagnostic breast imaging

The degree of adherence with evidence-based guidelines for the use of breast ultrasonography was determined in clinical practice of radiologists in six hospitals. Additional ultrasonography was performed in 2,272 (53%) of all 4,257 patients referred for mammography. High adherence rates (mean: 95%) were observed for guidelines recommending ultrasonography in patients referred for palpable breast masses and abnormal screening and diagnostic mammograms. Lower adherence rates (mean: 81%, Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.57; p = 0.001) were found for guidelines advising against additional ultrasonography in patients referred for breast symptoms, a known benign abnormality, a family history or anxiety of breast cancer. The overuse of ultrasonography in 442 patients and underuse in 95 patients led to five additional false-positive results. It was concluded that the guidelines seem workable and feasible in clinical practice and that the current daily routine of diagnostic breast imaging corresponded to a great extent to the guidelines proposed.     

Breast cancer screening with mammography: a population-based, randomized trial with mammography as the only screening mode.

A population-based, randomized breast cancer screening project was undertaken using mammography alone. Of 17,447 invited women aged 50-69, 12,765 (73%) attended the screening. On the basis of the screening films, malignancy was suspected in 405 women (3.2%) who were recalled for complete mammography. Additional films showed that the suspicion of malignancy was false in 194 women. The remaining 211 women (1.7%) were referred for clinical and cytological examination. Of these, 159 had surgery. Breast cancer was proved in 97 women, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 7.6/1000. Fifty-three (55%) of the carcinomas were either in situ or invasive with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 cm. Axillary metastases were found in 19 patients (19.6%). Cancers detected at screening were significantly less advanced than those in the control group. There was a remarkably high frequency of tubular carcinoma among cancers detected at screening.