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.     

Metastasis to the breast from extramammary malignancies: a report of four cases and a review of literature

Breast metastases from extramammary tumours are rare with few cases reported. Four cases of metastasis to the breast are presented and the diagnostic problems of this condition are reviewed. Correlation between the histology of primary tumour and the cytology of breast metastatic tumour can avoid the surgical breast biopsy and unnecessary mastectomy. Metastasis to the breast has poor prognosis.     

Subareolar injection of technetium-99m nanocolloid yields reliable data on the axillary lymph node tumour status in breast cancer patients with previous manipulations on the primary tumour: a prospective study of 117 patients

According to recently published guidelines, histological clarification by interventional techniques should be undertaken before planning the surgical management of patients with breast carcinoma. In patients with previous manipulations on the primary tumour, peritumoural injection in the context of preoperative scintigraphic detection of the sentinel lymph nodes is not possible. The aim of this prospective study was to clarify whether subareolar injection of nanocolloid can yield reliable data on the axillary lymph node tumour status in breast cancer patients with previous manipulations on the primary tumour. To date, 117 women (age 31–80 years) with breast carcinoma have been enrolled. All of these patients had undergone a biopsy (n=88) or surgery on the primary tumour (n=29) and were without clinical suspicion of lymph node metastases. Subareolar injection of 40 MBq technetium-99m nanocolloid was carried out in at least eight deposits around the areolar margin [one deposit in the middle of each quadrant and one deposit at each quadrant intersection (0.05 ml/deposit)]. Immediately after injection, dynamic and static lymphoscintigraphy of the axillary, thoracic and cervical areas was performed in various views with a gamma camera (LEAP collimator, 256×256 matrix). Lymphatic drainage was directed exclusively to the ipsilateral axilla. Sentinel lymph node biopsy and elective dissection of axillary lymph nodes were performed in all patients. All lymph nodes removed were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry. In 26 patients, lymph node metastases were found in the sentinel lymph nodes. In six of them, non-sentinel lymph nodes also showed tumour involvement. In the remaining 91 patients, lymph node metastases could be found neither in sentinel lymph nodes nor in non-sentinel lymph nodes. In conclusion, subareolar nanocolloid injection can yield reliable information on the axillary lymph node tumour status in patients with previous manipulations on the primary tumour in the breast.     

Hypermetabolic Axillary Mass on 18F FDG PET/CT: Breast Cancer Arising from Accessory Breast Tissue

Differential diagnosis among several causes of axillary malignant mass is important. The most common cause of palpable malignant axillary mass is metastatic lymphadenopathy. Although carcinoma arising from ectopic breast tissue is rare, the diagnosis should be kept in mind when evaluating malignant axillary mass. In this report we present a case with carcinoma arising from ectopic breast tissue. ¹⁸F FDG PET/CT was performed for the purpose of localizing primary breast cancer lesion and systemic evaluation. PET/CT showed hypermetabolic lesions only in the right axilla. There is no evidence of malignancy in both breasts. When nuclear physicians encounter a hypermetabolic axillary mass indicating malignant lesion without evidence of primary breast malignant lesion, carcinoma arising from ectopic breast tissue should be included in the differential diagnosis.     

Primary tuberculosis of the breast. A case report

The mammographic and US features of a case of primary tuberculosis of the breast are presented. The differential diagnosis with other benign or malignant conditions of the breast can be difficult with imaging methods due to the variable pattern of presentation of such an inflammatory lesion.     

Ruptured Epidermal Inclusion Cysts in the Subareolar Area: Sonographic Findings in Two Cases

Epidermal inclusion cyst of the breast is an uncommon benign lesion and it is usually located in the skin layer. We report here on two cases of ruptured epidermal inclusion cysts in the subareolar area, which is a very unusual location for these cysts and these lesions can be mistaken for breast malignancies.     

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy on digital stereotaxic table of nonpalpable lesions non-recognisable by ultrasonography

The aim of this study was to evaluate accuracy of 11 G vacuum-assisted percutaneous biopsy (VAPB) carried out on digital stereotaxic table, on breast non-palpable lesions (NPLs), non-visible by US. Prospective study on 132 consecutive NPLs (126 patients) not reliably found by US; 82% showed microcalcifications. Surgical confirmation was obtained in all malignant cases and when VAPB reported atypical lesion (ductal or lobular), radial scar or atypical papillary lesion. All patients with benign results were included in a mammographic follow-up programme. Two cases could not be dealt with due to technical difficulties. One to 26 cylinders were obtained from the remaining 130 NPLs. Sixty-four lesions were surgically confirmed. Forty-six of the 47 malignancies were correctly diagnosed. In one case of a malignant tumour, an atypical lesion was classified with VAPB. All cases of histologically verified lobular carcinoma in situ, atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia, radial scar or atypical papillary lesion were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. The remaining lesions were benign in VAPB, and after 1 year of follow-up, no false negative has been found. Based on this short-term follow-up, absolute sensitivity was 97.9%, absolute specificity 84.3% and accuracy was 99.2%. For predicting invasion, accuracy was 89.1%. Vacuum-assisted percutaneous biopsy is a very accurate technique for NPLs which are not detectable by US. It can replace approximately 90% of DSB with no important complications, avoiding scars and providing a higher level of comfort.     

18F-FDG PET/CT不同诊断方法对乳腺癌及其淋巴结转移的应用价值

目的 探讨18F-脱氧葡萄糖(FDG)PET/CT显像在诊断乳腺癌及其区域淋巴结转移中的临床价值.方法 对27例疑原发性乳腺癌及经临床随访(＞12个月)证实的12例单发乳腺良性病变患者行18F-FDG PET/CT显像,患者均为女性.对显像结果分别行定性、半定量分析.27例疑乳腺癌患者均行手术治疗.结果 疑乳腺癌患者术后病理检查示24例为乳腺癌,共25个病灶;良性病灶7个.18F-FDG PET/CT显像定性分析诊断乳腺癌的灵敏度为76.0%(19/25),特异性为94.7%(18/19);以最大标准摄取值(SUVmax)＞2.5为界值,18F-FDG PET/CT诊断乳腺癌的灵敏度为72.0%(18/25),特异性为63.2%(12/19);以病灶SUVmax大于对侧正常乳腺腺体SUVmax的-x+2s为界值,PET/CT诊断乳腺癌的灵敏度为96.0%(24/25),特异性为63.2%(12/19),其灵敏度明显高于前2种分析方法(X2=4.15,4.14;P均＜0.05).定性方法的特异性明显高于半定量分析(X2值均为5.7,P均＜0.05).23例行区域淋巴结廓清术的患者病理检查示10例有淋巴结转移.18F-FDGPET/CT定性诊断乳腺癌区域淋巴结转移的灵敏度为60.0%(6/10),特异性为84.6%(11/13);以SUVmax＞2.5为界值,18F-FDG PET/CT诊断淋巴结转移的灵敏度为60.0%(6/10),特异性为92.3%(12/13).结论 在18F-FDG PET/CT诊断乳腺癌中,以病灶SUVmax大于正常乳腺腺体sUVmax的-x+2s为界值的半定量分析有较好的灵敏度;定性分析的诊断特异性优于半定量分析.     

Technetium-99m sestamibi: an indicator of breast cancer invasiveness

As recently shown, angiogenesis is the most reliable marker of breast cancer invasiveness. Unfortunately it must be assessed by immunohistochemistry on tissue specimens. We have used technetium-99m sestamibi, a marker of regional blood flow in other organs that often but not always images breast cancer, to assess the invasiveness of this tumour. Nineteen patients, ten with nodal metastases and nine without any metastases, were studied with ^99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy before operation. Angiogenesis was quantitatively assessed by immunohistochemical staining of endothelia for factor VIII. All the node-positive (N+) patients at surgical revision showed a positive ^99mTc-sestamibi scan of the primary tumour and all the N-patients were negative. Nine out of ten N+ and sestamibi-positive tumours showed more than 135 microvessels/mm² and one showed 99 microvessels/mm²; by contrast there were 71.6±12.1 microvessels/mm² in the nine N- and sestamibi-negative tumours. Our study suggests that ^99mTc-sestamibi is a marker of breast cancer invasiveness: its uptake is related to angiogenesis and, possibly, to oxidative metabolism of the tumour.     

Gadolinium-enhanced MRI of breast hamartoma

Hamartoma of the breast is a relatively rare, well-circumscribed benign breast tumour that lacks a true capsule, and is composed primarily of dense, fibrous tissue with associated ducts and a variable amount of fat. A typical mammographic finding is a well-delineated, non-homogeneous mass containing mottled densities corresponding to fat, epithelium and connective tissue. Ultrasonographically, hamartoma has a well-circumscribed heterogeneous internal echo pattern corresponding to areas of fat and soft tissue components. This is the first original paper to describe the MRI findings of hamartomas. Mammography and ultrasonography usually enable a diagnosis of hamartoma; however, gadolinium-DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI is the only method in the preoperative management of atypical hamartomas that allows the exclusion of malignancy elsewhere in the breast and hamartoma. Correspondence to: K. K. Oh     

Clip placement facilitating the approach to breast lesions

We describe a novel technique for marking non-palpable breast lesions with the aim of selecting the best approach prior to performing a biopsy. The technique employs a new coil, specifically designed for breast localization, guided by stereotaxy. This technique is reserved for selected cases in which the lesion is seen peripherally in only one mammographic view with negative or non-conclusive ultrasonographic results, and deeply seated after a stereotactic study. Once the coil is released beside the lesion, the shortest approach from the skin may be employed to perform the biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this technique.     

Stereotactic biopsy of noncalcified breast lesions: utility of vacuum-assisted technique compared to multipass automated gun technique

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stereotactic 14-gauge, vacuum-assisted biopsy technique in diagnosing noncalcified breast lesions. Stereotactic biopsy of 116 noncalcified breast lesions was performed with either 14-gauge, vacuum-assisted technique or multipass, automated large-core technique. The number of core samples and time required for each biopsy were compared. Outcome for each technique was compared based on recommendations after the mammographic-histologic review process. Results from surgical excision and mammographic follow-up were reviewed. The vacuum-assisted technique obtained more tissue cores per lesion than the automated gun technique, showed marginal decrease in number of repeat biopsies for discordant results, and required fewer short-term follow-up mammograms, although the difference did not achieve statistical significance. The vacuum-assisted technique can be used successfully to sample noncalcified breast masses, with marginal improvement over the automated gun technique.     

高频乳腺X线片对乳腺良恶性病变钙化的分析

目的研究高频乳腺X线片对鉴别乳腺良、恶性病变钙化的意义。方法152例经临床和病理证实的女性乳腺良、恶性病变患者（87例良性病变和65例恶性病变）均经高频乳腺X线摄影。回顾性分析了所有患者的乳腺X线表现，并着重鉴别了乳腺良、恶性病变钙化的X线特征。结果在乳腺X线片上，大多数良性病变的钙化表现为散在分布的粗颗粒状、环状或斑片状灶，形态规则，密度较高，而恶性病变的钙化多呈簇状分布的细颗粒与导管型，诸如泥沙状、短棒状、针尖状灶，形态不规则，密度较低。结论乳腺病变钙化的X线表现随病变性质而不同，因此，高频乳腺X线片对鉴别乳腺良、恶性病变起重要作用。     

Unusual presentation of tubular breast carcinoma as non-mass enhancement

A tubular carcinoma is a rare and well-differentiated histological subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma. Its lesion is generally presented as a spiculated, solid mass on mammography, ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with posterior acoustic shadowing on US. Here, we describe unusual MRI findings of focal-type clumped non-mass enhancement and type 2 kinetic curve. This tumour should be included as a differential diagnosis with focal-type clumped non-mass enhancement on MRI, because this finding can refer benign lesions like as fibrocystic changes of breast.     

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Pathological and Imaging Review

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low-to-intermediate grade sarcoma that typically arises in the dermis and infiltrates subcutaneous tissue. Due to superficial appearance of DFSP, imaging techniques are not always utilized. However, they may be useful in large or atypical cases. The standard treatment for DFSP is excision of the lesion. In this article, we review the role of different imaging modalities in the assessment and management of DFSP.     

The relationship between vascular and metabolic characteristics of primary breast tumours

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between vascular and metabolic characteristics of breast tumours in vivo, using contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI and 2-[¹⁸F] fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) PET imaging. Twenty patients with large or locally advanced primary breast cancers were imaged prior to therapy. MRI data were acquired using a dynamic gradient echo sequence and analysed using two pharmacokinetic models. Static PET data were acquired in 2D mode. A significant association (P<0.05) was observed between the calculated exchange rate constants of both pharmacokinetic models and calculated PET FDG dose uptake ratios (DUR). Statistical analysis showed that the exchange rate constants can explain between 27 and 44% of the variance observed in the PET FDG uptake ratios. A relationship was demonstrated between the vascular and metabolic characteristics of primary breast tumours showing that any assessment of tumour metabolic activity using PET may be controlled at least in part by delivery of uptake agent due to the vascular characteristics of the tumour. MRI and PET provide methods of assessing breast tumour vascularity and metabolism in vivo using the exchange rate constants of dynamic MRI, and DUR of PET, respectively, these measures being related but not equivalent.     

超声引导Mammotome系统在乳腺肿块中的临床应用

目的：探讨超声引导下Mammotome微创旋切系统在乳腺肿块诊断及治疗中的应用价值。方法：对105例118个乳腺肿块患者行常规超声检查后在实时超声引导下运用Mammotome旋切系统对肿块进行微创旋切术。结果：超声引导成功率100%,术中冷冻切片提示恶性病灶9个,良性病灶109个,与术后病理诊断相符。术后1周超声复查4例有血肿形成（原病变均为乳腺纤维腺瘤）,3个月复查血肿完全吸收。恶性病灶无原发灶残留和复发,良性病灶也未发现残留灶。结论：超声引导Mammotome旋切系统可以对乳腺肿块进行精确的活组织取材,对适宜的良性病灶可以进行完整切除,该技术安全、微创、确诊率高、并发症少,是乳腺肿块诊治的有效方法。     

多层螺旋CT对进展期乳腺癌新辅助化疗的疗效评估

目的 探讨多层螺旋CT在乳腺癌新辅助化疗疗效评价中的应用价值,以求进一步明确螺旋CT对乳腺癌新辅助化疗疗效的预测评估.方法 25例初治原发性乳腺癌患者,均为女性,年龄33～62岁,平均年龄48.9岁,全组病例化疗前行粗针穿刺明确诊断,分别行2～4周期新辅助化疗,新辅助化疗前后行螺旋CT扫描,测量化疗前后肿块数目及大小、淋巴结数目及大小、肿块强化模式等.结果 多层螺旋CT检查评价乳腺癌病灶变化与病理学评价的符合率90.9％.结论 多层螺旋CT结合三维重建技术能够准确反映出乳腺癌病灶及淋巴结化疗前后的信息,并能准确的反映乳腺癌病灶化疗前后的血流信息,对预测乳腺癌新辅助化疗疗效具有一定的应用价值.     

99Tcm标记抗粘蛋白McAb乳腺癌放射免疫显像的临床研究

目的　评价99Tcm 标记抗乳腺癌粘蛋白单克隆抗体 (McAb)放射免疫显像 (RII)诊断乳腺癌的临床价值。方法　选择 17例乳腺肿瘤患者进行RII。结果　 9例原发性乳腺癌中 8例RII阳性 ,灵敏度 88 89% ;5例原发性乳腺癌伴腋淋巴结转移及 1例右乳腺浸润性导管癌根治术 5a后出现右腋淋巴结转移 ,RII发现其中 5例出现淋巴结转移 ;而 6例乳腺良性病变和 1例右乳腺单纯癌根治术7a后随访 ,RII阴性。结论　99Tcm 标记抗粘蛋白McAbRII可作为乳腺癌特异性诊断的重要辅助手段 ,并对淋巴结转移、术后复发等具有一定的诊断价值。