Characterization of Breast Masses With Sonography

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sonography can be used to categorize some solid breast masses as probably benign so that biopsy can be deferred. METHODS: We prospectively characterized 844 sonographically visible solid breast masses referred for biopsy. Mammographic and sonographic features of the masses were recorded, and all masses were categorized by American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System classification before biopsy. Of the 844 masses, 148 were categorized as probably benign (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 3). Sonographically guided biopsy (n = 804) or fine-needle aspiration (n = 40) was performed for pathologic correlation. RESULTS: Of the 148 masses that met the sonographic criteria for probably benign masses, there was 1 malignancy, for a negative predictive value of 99.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up can be an acceptable alternative to biopsy for sonographically probably benign solid masses.     

Fourteen-gauge ultrasonographically guided large-core needle biopsy of breast masses.

OBJECTIVE: Large-core needle biopsy of the breast can be performed with stereotactic or ultrasonographic guidance. However, ultrasonographically guided large-core needle biopsy has notable advantages, including the absence of ionizing radiation, increased patient comfort, and greater cost-effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonographically guided large-core needle biopsy for the diagnosis of breast cancer in palpable and nonpalpable breast masses. METHODS: The study was a retrospective review of consecutive ultrasonographically guided large-core needle biopsies for indeterminate breast masses. A total 424 ultrasonographically guided core biopsies were performed in 367 patients with 1 or more breast masses. Ultrasonographically guided core biopsy was performed with a 14-gauge spring-loaded needle and a freehand technique. Correlation of ultrasonographically guided core biopsy pathologic findings with subsequent surgical pathologic findings or long-term imaging follow-up was performed. RESULTS: Of 424 indeterminate breast lesions for which histopathologic findings were obtained by ultrasonographically guided core biopsy, 234 cancers were diagnosed. Twenty-eight additional lesions had either questionable but not definitively malignant pathologic features (n = 11) or radiologic-pathologic discordance (n = 17) and were surgically excised. Of these, 8 additional cancers were diagnosed. Patients or surgeons chose excision of 41 additional lesions that were benign on ultrasonographically guided core biopsy No cancer was found in these surgical specimens. One additional cancer was diagnosed at a 6-month imaging follow-up because of interval growth. On the basis of surgical and long-term imaging follow-up, the sensitivity of ultrasonographically guided core biopsy for the diagnosis of breast carcinoma was 99.2% (95% confidence interval, 95.6%-99.9%) in 173 palpable breast masses and 93.2% (95% confidence interval, 87.1%-97%) in 251 nonpalpable masses. In cancers diagnosed on the basis of immediate surgical excision as a result of ultrasonographically guided core biopsy that showed either questionable pathologic features or radiologic-pathologic discordance, the sensitivity of ultrasonographically guided core biopsy for the diagnosis of breast cancer was 99.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographically guided large-core needle biopsy is a sensitive percutaneous biopsy method for the diagnosis of breast cancer in palpable and nonpalpable breast masses.     

Accuracy of sonographically guided 14-gauge core-needle biopsy: results of 715 consecutive breast biopsies with at least two-year follow-up of benign lesions

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of sonographically guided 14-gauge core-needle biopsy (CNB). METHODS: Sonographically guided 14-gauge CNBs of 715 breast lesions were performed in 652 patients. Histopathologic results were correlated with imaging findings, and repeat biopsy was recommended in the cases of discordance between the radiologic and pathologic results. Long-term follow-up was used for patients with CNB findings of a benign lesion. RESULTS: Sonographically guided CNB revealed malignancy in 311 lesions (43%). Thirty-one lesions with CNB findings indicating benign conditions underwent additional image-guided or excisional biopsy because of indeterminate pathologic features, disagreement between radiologic and pathologic results, surgeon preference, or patient request. Within these 31 cases, 9 malignancies were diagnosed. The duration of follow-up for the remaining 373 benign lesions varied from 27 to 60 months. In 3 of these 373 cases, carcinoma was diagnosed at the site of CNB. The false-negative rate of 14-gauge sonographically guided CNB was 3.7%, and the sensitivity of sonographically guided CNB for the diagnosis of breast cancer was 96.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographically guided 14-gauge CNB is a safe and accurate method for evaluating breast lesions that require tissue sampling. Radiologic-pathologic correlation and follow-up of benign lesions are essential for a successful breast biopsy program.     

Sonographic evaluation of mammographically detected microcalcifications without a mass prior to stereotactic core needle biopsy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of sonographically re-evaluating areas of microcalcification found mammographically before undertaking stereotactic core needle biopsy (SCNB). METHODS: Patients with nonpalpable breast lesions appearing as microcalcifications on mammograms and who had been referred to us for SCNB were re-evaluated sonographically before the procedure. None of the breast lesions had been associated with a density on the mammograms, and the initial sonographic evaluations had been negative. Using the mammograms for correlation, we meticulously re-evaluated the areas of microcalcifications sonographically using a high-frequency linear-array transducer. The sonographic and histopathologic results were then reviewed and correlated. The sonographic findings and visibility of the mammographically detected microcalcifications were analyzed by the 2-tailed Fisher's exact test and the chi-square test. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients, who had 68 cases of microcalcifications, were enrolled. Thirteen of the 66 patients underwent surgery, and 9 of the 13 were found to have breast carcinoma. In the sonographic re-evaluation before SCNB in these 9 patients, an associated soft tissue mass was demonstrated in 5 patients but not in the other 4. Sonographic re-evaluation also revealed abnormalities in 24 of 68 cases (35.3%), in contrast to the negative findings on the initial sonography. Using the chi-square test to identify a trend, we found that the percentage of cases that were sonographically visible was highest for clustered benign microcalcifications and lowest for segmental benign microcalcifications (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In breast lesions that appear as microcalcifications without an associated mass on mammograms, pre-SCNB sonographic re-evaluation with a high-frequency transducer can depict microcalcifications, particularly the clustered ones, and can detect small associated masses. Although the absence of a sonographically detectable mass in areas of mammographically detected microcalcifications does not guarantee the absence of cancer, the presence of an associated mass on sonography should warrant close follow-up in the case of negative results to avoid a delay in the diagnosis of breast carcinoma.     

Sonographically guided percutaneous needle biopsy of soft tissue masses with histopathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of sonographically guided percutaneous core biopsy of soft tissue masses. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent sonographically guided biopsy of soft tissue masses at our institution during a 50-month period. Core biopsy histopathologic results were compared with surgical or clinical follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-three patients, 76 male and 107 female, with a mean age of 48.5 years were included in the study. Thirteen patients had more than 1 biopsy, and the total number of biopsies performed was 196. Five patients were lost to follow-up. Biopsy results were diagnostically accurate in 174 (91%) cases. Thirteen biopsies were inconclusive. No complications occurred. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy in separating malignant from benign lesions were 97%, 99%, 99%, and 98%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographically guided core needle biopsy is an accurate and safe means to obtain tissue samples for the histopathologic diagnosis of soft tissue masses. It obviates the need for open biopsy and should be performed routinely for treatment planning.     

Mammotome微创旋切系统在隐匿性乳腺病灶诊断当中的应用

目的探讨超声引导下M ammotom e微创旋切术对隐匿性乳腺病灶诊断的意义。方法2003年11月~2004年10月对该院22例31处隐匿性乳腺病灶进行B超引导下M ammotom e微创旋切术。结果22例患者均在超声引导下行M ammotom e微创旋切术,操作无一例失败,术后均明确诊断,恢复良好。结论超声引导下M ammotom e微创旋切术有利于隐匿性乳腺病灶的诊断,手术创伤小、恢复快,对良性疾病兼具治疗作用。     

Focal fibrosis of the breast diagnosed by a sonographically guided core biopsy of nonpalpable lesions: imaging findings and clinical relevance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of focal fibrosis of the breast diagnosed by a sonographically guided core biopsy of nonpalpable lesions, to characterize imaging features, and to evaluate their clinical relevance. METHODS: In a retrospective review of 724 lesions that underwent sonographically guided core biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions, 62 cases had a diagnosis of focal fibrosis. Two radiologists analyzed the sonographic and mammographic findings according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. The results were compared with histologic findings at surgery or imaging findings during surveillance. RESULTS: The incidence of focal fibrosis was 8.6% (62/724). Sonographic films were available in 56 cases, so 56 cases were reviewed for their sonographic findings. Among the mammograms reviewed, 64.7% (33/51) had negative findings. Among the sonograms reviewed, the most common features were oval shape (32/56, 57.1%), parallel orientation (36/56, 64.3%), microlobulated margin (24/56, 42.9%), abrupt interface (50/56, 89.3%), isoechoic pattern (42/56, 75.0%), and a lack of posterior acoustic features (45/56, 80.4%). The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System final assessment was category 3 in 27 (48.2%) and category 4 in 29 (51.8%). Most of the category 4 lesions were category 4A (26/29, 89.7%). Surgical excision (n = 7) and follow-up for at least 1 year (n = 49) showed no malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Focal fibrosis was found in 8.6% by a sonographically guided core biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions. Most of the lesions were categorized as probably benign (category 3) or having a low suggestion of malignancy (category 4A). Focal fibrosis diagnosed at core biopsy can be managed with a 6-month follow-up protocol.     

Sonographically guided needle biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions.

This article describes the techniques of sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core-needle biopsy (CNB) of nonpalpable breast lesions. Virtually any nonpalpable breast lesion that is clearly demonstrated on sonograms can be sampled with a needle under ultrasound guidance. Advantages of ultrasound-guided FNA include its pinpoint accuracy, the excellent tolerance by patients, and the ability to aspirate or inject fluid or air. Advantages of ultrasound-guided CNB include a near 100% tissue recovery rate even in fibrous masses, the ability to assess the invasiveness of a cancer, and the fact that tissue cores are readily interpreted by any pathologist. In institutions in which an expert cytopathologist is available, FNA is often used as a first-line biopsy technique, with CNB being reserved for situations in which FNA cannot provide a definitive answer to the question asked. In most institutions, however, CNB has become the standard for percutaneous needle biopsy of breast masses, and sonography has replaced stereotaxy as the standard guidance technique for nonpalpable masses.     

The current state of stereotactic core breast biopsy and mammotomy

Summary

The ‘standard’ stereotactic core biopsy technique represents a stable plateau in the evolution of percutaneous breast intervention. In the spring of 1993, a purpose-built stereotactic breast biopsy instrument, the Mammotomer` (Biopsysr` Medical, Inc., Irvine, CA) was developed. The stereotactic ‘mammotomy’ procedure allows the sampling probe to remain in the breast during the entire biopsy procedure, while tissue samples are automatically deposited into a ‘pathology cassette’ for tissue position coding and histologic processing. This technique improves accuracy and has replaced mammographic localization and open surgical biopsy at our institution. The classic breast diagnostic and therapeutic referral patterns involving the general surgeon, radiologist and patient are reviewed. Percutaneous breast cancer treatment methods are also discussed.     

Impalpable thoracic bony lesions diagnosed by sonographically guided needle aspiration biopsy.

Impalpable osteolytic lesions may be detected and diagnosed by ultrasonography and sonographically guided needle aspiration biopsy. Eleven cases with bone destruction found on chest radiographs were proved to be malignant by sonographically guided needle aspiration biopsy. The bony lesions were all hypoechoic and could be demonstrated easily. No complications or discomfort occurred after needle aspiration. Bony lesions can be detected by ultrasonography only when pathologic changes have occurred. Ultrasonography and sonographically guided needle aspiration biopsy provide a simple, convenient, and non-invasive method for detecting and diagnosing impalpable osteolytic lesions.     

Sonoelastographic Strain Index for Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Nonpalpable Breast Masses

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of the sonoelastographic strain index for differentiation of nonpalpable breast masses. Methods. Ninety‐nine nonpalpable breast masses (79 benign and 20 malignant) in 94 women (mean age, 45 years; range, 21–68 years) who had been scheduled for a sonographically guided core biopsy were examined with B‐mode sonography and sonoelastography. Radiologists who had performed the biopsies analyzed the B‐mode sonograms and provided American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories. The strain index (fat to lesion strain ratio) was calculated by dividing the strain value of the subcutaneous fat by that of the mass. The histologic result from the sonographically guided core biopsy was used as a reference standard. The diagnostic performance of the strain index and that of B‐mode sonography were compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results. The mean strain index values ± SD were 6.57 ± 6.62 (range, 1.29–28.69) in malignant masses and 2.63 ± 4.57 (range, 0.54–38.76) in benign masses (P = .019). The area under the ROC curve values were 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.747–0.902) for B‐mode sonography and 0.879 (95% CI, 0.798–0.936) for the strain index (P = .490). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 95% (19 of 20), 75% (59 of 79), 48% (19 of 39), and 98% (59 of 60), respectively, when a best cutoff point of 2.24 was used. Conclusions. The strain index based on the fat to lesion strain ratio has diagnostic performance comparable with that of B‐mode sonography for differentiation of benign and malignant breast masses.     

Metastases to intramammary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer: sonographic findings

PURPOSE: To describe the sonographic characteristics of intramammary lymph node metastasis (ILNM) in patients with breast cancer and to assess the value of sonography and sonographically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in their diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts and films of 19 women with biopsy-documented ILNM who were seen in our breast diagnostic center between December 1999 and July 2003. The sonographic appearance of the nodes was analyzed and correlated with clinical and mammographic findings and with biopsy results. RESULTS: The ILNMs were clinically and mammographically occult in 7 (37%) of the 19 women. The diameter of the ILNMs was less than 1 cm in 15 (79%) cases. The volume of the central echogenic hilum was less than 50% of the total volume of the node in each of the patients. There was marked decrease in cortical echogenicity of the ILN in all cases. Metastatic involvement was established via sonographically guided FNAB in each of the 19 suspicious intramammary lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Sonography and sonographically guided FNAB are valuable methods of assessment for ILNM in patients with known or suspected breast cancer. The most consistent sonographic features associated with ILNM were reduction in the volume of the central echogenic hilum and marked hypoechogenicity of the node's cortex.     

超声在Mammotome乳腺肿块切除术的临床应用价值

目的探讨超声在Mammotome活检及旋切系统(MMT)对乳腺肿块进行微创切除中的临床应用价值。方法在超声导向下，利用MMT对乳腺肿块进行活检和切除，并作病理检查以明确其性质，术后随访治疗效果。结果34例患者的61个乳腺肿块被切除，病理证实54个为纤维腺瘤，7个为纤维腺病。患者术中反应较轻，术后并发症少，经短期随访，无复发现象。结论在超声的导向下MMT能对乳腺肿块进行活检和切除，具有创伤小、并发症少、不影响乳房外观的优点，是一种有效的乳腺微创治疗技术。超声导向能够确保手术安全、准确的进行，并且能对治疗效果进行即时评价。     

计算机立体定位活检不可触及的乳腺病变

目的:探讨计算机立体定位活检不能触及的乳腺病变的诊断价值。方法:对102例临床不能触及的乳腺病变进行计算机立体定位活检,包括计算机立体定位穿刺活检(SCNB)和细针活检切检(SNLB)两种方式。结果:以SCNB检查61例,诊断符合率95.1%;以SNLB检查41例,36例定位满意,满意率87.8%。结论:计算机立体定位活检定位准确、创伤小、操作简单,对不可触及的乳腺病变的定位定性诊断以及对早期乳腺癌的诊断有重要价值。     

Stereotactic core breast biopsy versus needle localization breast biopsy - the effect of initial diagnostic modality on surgical therapy in patients with breast cancer

Summary. The aim was to assess the effect of the initial diagnostic modality on surgical planning in patients with mammographically detected malignancies. A retrospective chart review of 40 patients with mammographically detected breast cancer was undertaken. The diagnosis was established in 20 patients by needle localization breast biopsy and in 20 patients by stereotactic core breast biopsy. In patients whose diagnosis was established by stereotactic core breast biopsy, all were treated with only one operation per patient. In those patients whose diagnosis was established by needle localization breast biopsy, an average of 2.1 surgeries per patient were required to diagnose and treat this group. Patients with abnormal mammograms should have the diagnosis established by stereotactic biopsy. If the lesion was malignant, a planned one-stage definitive operation was successful in all of our patients. We feel that stereotactic core biopsy is the preferred method for establishing a diagnosis in patients with suspicious mammographic findings.     

超声导向下Mammotome切除乳腺纤维腺瘤的应用

目的 探讨在超声导向下,应用Mammotome活检及旋切系统切除乳腺纤维腺瘤。方法 在超声导向下,利用Mammotome对乳腺纤维腺瘤进行活检和切除,对出现的并发症进行及时处理,术后对治疗效果进行随访观察。结果 86例患者的175个纤维腺瘤被切除,患者的并发症少,并发症包括出血、血肿和胸大肌损伤等,经及时处理后恢复。术后不影响乳房外观,部分患者手术区域有不同程度的瘢痕形成。结论 在超声导向下,应用Mammotome切除乳腺纤维腺瘤,不但有助于诊断,而且可以达到切除肿块的目的,是一种创伤小、并发症少的微创手术。     

高频超声引导Mammotome乳腺活检系统微创治疗乳腺良性肿块

目的探讨高频超声引导Mammotome乳腺活检系统微创治疗乳腺良性肿块的临床应用价值。方法对46例52个经临床及彩超诊断的乳腺良性肿块行高频超声引导下旋切治疗,对引导情况及治疗效果进行评价。结果高频超声引导成功率及显示率均为100%;34例共40个0.5cm≤直径≤2.5cm的肿块,完全切除32例共38个肿块(95.0%),8例共8个2.5cm<直径≤3.0cm的肿块,完全切除5例共5个肿块(62.5%),4例共4个直径>3.0cm的肿块,肿块完全切除0例。结论高频超声引导Mammotome乳腺活检系统微创治疗乳腺良性肿块创伤小、疗效好,尤其适用于治疗直径0.5~2.5cm的乳腺良性肿块。     

Sonographically guided core biopsy in the assessment of thyroid nodules

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the value of sonographically guided core biopsy in the evaluation of thyroid nodules by comparison with fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) performed with and without sonographic guidance. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 645 thyroid samples obtained at a single center. Samples came from 422 patients who underwent FNAC (with or without sonographic guidance), sonographically guided core biopsy, or excision of thyroid tissue with or without prior frozen sectioning. Final diagnoses were obtained from surgery or clinical follow-up. Initial and final diagnoses were compared. RESULTS: Adequate samples for assessment were obtained in 87% of core biopsies, compared with 60% of cytology aspirates (p <0.001). Sonographically guided core biopsy and sonographically guided FNAC both had zero false-negative rates for the diagnosis of malignancy, compared with a 7.0% false-negative rate (95% confidence interval, 2.0-12.0%) for aspiration cytology when sonography was not used. With core biopsy, 11% of patients required surgical confirmation of the diagnosis, compared with 43% of patients following FNAC (p <0.001). There were no major complications following core biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographically guided core biopsy provides an accurate and safe alternative to FNAC in the assessment of thyroid nodules.     

Sonographic Elastography Combined With Conventional Sonography

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of conventional sonography combined with sonographic elastography for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions and to assess the diagnostic performance with two types of interpretation criteria for sonographic elastography. Methods. For this study, we included 281 lesions from 267 patients that were diagnosed as benign or malignant by sonographically guided biopsy and prospectively analyzed by conventional sonography and sonographic elastography from October to December 2007. The histopathologic results from sonographically guided biopsy were used as a reference standard. The final assessments were made prospectively on the basis of conventional sonography alone and then by sonographic elastography combined with conventional sonography. The diagnostic performance using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (A_z) was compared on the basis of conventional sonography alone and on elastography combined with conventional sonography. We also calculated the area ratio of lesions detected by elastography and the elasticity score reported by Itoh et al (Radiology 2006; 239:341–350). Results. The areas under the ROC curve for conventional sonography and the combination of conventional sonography and sonographic elastography were 0.927 and 0.876, respectively. The area ratio of the lesion had better diagnostic performance (A_z, 0.757) than the elasticity score (A_z, 0.54; P < .05). Conclusions. The diagnostic performance of radiologists with respect to the characterization of breast masses as benign or malignant was not significantly improved with sonographic elastography. The area ratio of the lesion had a better diagnostic value in elastography than the elasticity score.     

Sonographically guided core needle biopsy of cervical lymphadenopathy in patients without known malignancy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of sonographically guided core needle biopsy (core biopsy) for diagnosing the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy in patients without known malignancy. METHODS: One hundred fifty-five sonographically guided core biopsies performed in 155 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy were retrospectively evaluated. None of the 155 patients had any known primary malignancy. Final diagnoses were determined by the histologic examination from excision biopsy when performed or by the clinical and sonographic follow-up for more than 12 months. When a lymph node diagnosed as benign by sonographically guided core biopsy regressed spontaneously or by subsequent management, the diagnosis made by the sonographically guided core biopsy was considered correct. When a lymph node diagnosed as benign by sonographically guided core biopsy was unchanged or increased in size with subsequent management, excision biopsy was performed. Diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and complications of core biopsy were evaluated. RESULTS: Histologic diagnosis could be made by sonographically guided core biopsy in 146 (94%) of the 155 patients. The histologic diagnoses were reactive hyperplasia in 44 patients, tuberculosis in 37, Kikuchi disease in 25, metastasis in 16, lymphoma in 16, normal in 7, and toxoplasmosis in 1. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of sonographically guided core biopsy were 97.9%, 99.1%, and 97.9%, respectively. There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographically guided core biopsy is a safe and efficient tool for diagnosing the cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in patients without known malignancy and may obviate unnecessary excisional biopsy.