Aspects in mammographic screening. Detection,prediction, recurrence and prognosis

Screening mammograms comprising of 32 first round, 10 interval and 32 second round detected cancers and 46 normal were examined by an expert screener, a screening radiologist, a clinical radiologist and a computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) system. The expert screener, screening radiologist, clinical radiologist and the CAD detected 44, 41, 34 and 37 cancers, respectively, while their respective specificities were 80%, 83%, 100% and 22%. Later, with CAD prompting, the screening and the clinical radiologist detected 1 and 3 additional cancers each with unchanged specificities. Screening mammograms comprising 35 first round, 12 interval and 14 second round detected cancers and 89 normal findings were examined without and with previous mammograms by experienced screeners. Without previous mammograms, the screeners detected 40.3 cancers with a specificity of 87%. With previous mammograms, 37.7 cancers were detected with a 96% specificity. The decrease in sensitivity was not significant but the screeners showed significant increase in specificity. Local recurrences in 303 nonpalpable breast cancers with preoperative localizations and breast conservation therapy were evaluated for needle-caused implant metastasis. A total of 214 percutaneous biopsies were performed. There were 33 local recurrences. Needle-caused seeding or implantation as based on the location of the recurrence in comparison to the needle path in the mammograms was suspected in 3/44 (7%) invasive cancers without radiotherapy. The mammographic characteristics of 317 nonpalpable breast cancers were categorized. Logistic regression showed that the risk ratios for a spiculated mass without calcifications and calcifications alone were 12 and 19 for invasive cancer and ductal cancer in situ (DCIS), respectively. Invasive ductal grade 1, ductal grade 2, lobular and ductal grade 3, had a risk ratio (RR) of 28, 17, 11 and 4.6, respectively, for a spiculated mass without calcifications. DCIS nuclear grade 3 and invasive ductal grade 3 had an RR of 17 and 9.7, respectively, for sole casting calcifications. The eight-year survival of 96 1-9-mm invasive breast cancers were investigated in relation to their mammographic appearance, node status and histologic grade. After a median follow-up of 7 years, 6/96 died from breast cancer: 3/14 had calcifications alone, 2/56 had spiculated masses, 1/12 had rounded mass, 5/78 were node-negative and 1/4 was node-positive. The survival rate was 93%: 77% for the calcifications alone, 95% for spiculated masses, 91% for rounded masses, 92% for node-negative and 75% for node-positive. Calcifications alone and node positivity, each, carried a significantly higher risk of death.     

Needle tract seeding after vacuum-assisted breast biopsy

Background: A matter of substantial concern regarding all needle biopsy techniques is seeding along the biopsy needle tract.

Purpose: To assess cell seeding along the needle tract of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB).

Material and Methods: The study included 21 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 10 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) diagnosed by VABB for nonpalpable mammographic lesions. VABB (11G, on a Fischer table) was performed, and the duration of the procedure was measured. After surgery, the whole needle tract was embedded in paraffin blocks, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and examined by a pathologist.

Results: Cases with dissemination of cancer cells in the needle tract were not observed (one-sided 97.5% CI 0-10.0%). In 2/31 (6.5%) cases (95% CI 0.8-21.4%), benign epithelial cell displacement was observed, and the duration of VABB was significantly longer in these two cases (52.5±3.5 min vs. 42.0±4.4 min for cases without benign cell displacement; P = 0.018, Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test for independent samples).

Conclusion: No displacement of malignant cells within the 11G needle tract was documented. Benign cell displacement was associated with longer VABB duration. The phenomenon of tumor cell dissemination along the needle tract is of questionable clinical significance when the treatment guidelines are followed.     

Multifocal,multicentric, and contralateral breast cancers: bilateral whole-breast US in the preoperative evaluation of patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative bilateral whole-breast ultrasonography (US) in the detection of additional multifocal, multicentric, and contralateral cancers and the effect of US information on therapeutic decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred one patients who had newly diagnosed breast cancer or who were suspected of having breast cancer underwent US examination of the ipsilateral and contralateral breasts with a 10-, 12-, or 13-MHz transducer. All solid lesions found at US alone were classified according to level of suspicion and were selected for biopsy. The US results were compared with mammographic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: In ipsilateral breasts, US depicted 194 (97%) of 201 foci of invasive cancer and 52 (75%) of 69 foci of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), whereas mammography and physical examination depicted 173 (86%) foci of invasive cancer and 56 (81%) foci of DCIS. In the contralateral breast, US depicted 11 (92%) of 12 foci of invasive cancer and four (57%) of seven foci of DCIS, whereas mammography and physical examination depicted six (50%) foci of invasive cancer and five (71%) foci of DCIS. Overall, US depicted mammographically and clinically unsuspected multifocal or multicentric cancers in 28 patients (14%) and contralateral cancer in eight patients (4%). On the basis of these US findings, therapy was correctly changed in 32 patients (16%). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of prospective classification of 77 solid lesions detected at US alone were 100% (36 of 36), 51% (21 of 41), 64% (36 of 56), and 100% (21 of 21), respectively. CONCLUSION: Bilateral whole-breast US complements mammography in the preoperative evaluation of patients with breast cancer.     

Local tumor recurrence following breast-conservation therapy: correlation of histopathologic findings with detection method and mammographic findings.

PURPOSE: To correlate histopathologic findings with detection method and mammographic appearance in primary and locally recurrent breast carcinoma after breast-conservation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and mammographic findings were retrospectively reviewed; 26 patients with 27 local recurrences after breast-conservation therapy were identified. RESULTS: Primary histopathologic findings included six in situ and 20 invasive carcinomas. Of the 27 recurrences, 19 (70%) were at or adjacent to the lumpectomy site and eight (30%) were elsewhere in the breast. All primary ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases manifested mammographically as microcalcifications and recurred as DCIS with microcalcifications. Eleven primary invasive carcinomas (10 masses, one case of microcalcifications) were detected only mammographically, three were detected only with physical examination, and six (six masses) were detected with both. Among these 20 recurrences, 14 (five masses, nine cases of microcalcifications) were detected only mammographically, one was detected only with physical examination, and five (five masses) were detected with both. Seventeen (85%) of 20 primary invasive carcinomas recurred invasively: 16 (94%) with similar histopathologic findings and eight (47%) with similar mammographic findings. CONCLUSION: In local recurrence after breast-conservation therapy for DCIS, histopathologic findings, detection method, and mammographic findings are usually similar. Histopathologic findings of primary invasive breast carcinoma and local recurrence are usually similar, but the detection method and mammographic findings vary. This is relevant to the interpretation of new clinical or mammographic findings following lumpectomy.     

Screening mammography-detected cancers: sensitivity of a computer-aided detection system applied to full-field digital mammograms

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the sensitivity of the performance of a computer-aided detection (CAD) system applied to full-field digital mammograms for detection of breast cancers in a screening group, with histologic findings as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had institutional review board approval, and patient informed consent was waived. A commercially available CAD system was applied to the digital mammograms of 103 women (mean age, 51 years; range, 35-69 years) with 103 breast cancers detected with screening. Sensitivity values of the CAD system according to mammographic appearance, breast composition, and histologic findings were analyzed. Normal mammograms from 100 women (mean age, 54 years; age range, 35-75 years) with no mammographic and clinical abnormality during 2-year follow-up were used to determine false-positive CAD system marks. Differences between the cancer detection rates in fatty and dense breasts for the CAD system were compared by using the chi(2) test. RESULTS: The CAD system correctly marked 99 (96.1%) of 103 breast cancers. The CAD system marked all 44 breast cancers that manifested as microcalcifications only, all 23 breast cancers that manifested as a mass with microcalcifications, and 32 (89%) of 36 lesions that appeared as a mass only. The sensitivity of the CAD system in the fatty breast group was 95% (59 of 62) and in the dense breast group was 98% (40 of 41) (P = .537). The CAD system correctly marked all 31 lesions of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), all 22 lesions of invasive ductal carcinoma with DCIS, the single invasive lobular carcinoma lesion, and 45 (92%) of 49 lesions of invasive ductal carcinoma. On normal mammograms, the mean number of false-positive marks per patient was 1.80 (range, 0-10 marks; median, 1 mark). CONCLUSION: The CAD system can correctly mark most (96.1%) asymptomatic breast cancers detected with digital mammographic screening, with acceptable false-positive marks (1.80 per patient).     

Diagnosis of Tis/T1 breast cancer extent by multislice helical CT: a novel classification of tumor distribution

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of multislice helical CT (MSCT) for assessing breast cancer extent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCT was performed in 70 patients with Tis/T1 breast cancer [12 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 58 invasive carcinoma]. The distribution pattern of contrast enhancement (CE) was classified into five categories: solitary lesion (localized area of CE), grouped lesion (satellite: localized CE with linear and/or spotty enhancement; crowded: clustered spotty enhancement), separated lesion (multifocal foci of CE), mixed lesion (grouped lesion with multifocal foci), and diffuse lesion (diffuse CE). RESULTS: Solitary lesion was seen in five cases of DCIS, 27 invasive carcinomas without intraductal spread (IDS), six invasive carcinomas with IDS, and one multicentric cancer. Grouped lesion was seen in six DCIS and 15 invasive carcinomas with IDS. Separated lesion was seen in one case of invasive carcinoma and fibroadenoma, and three multifocal/multicentric cancers. Mixed lesion was seen in two multicentric cancers. Diffuse lesion was seen in one case of DCIS and three invasive carcinomas. The coincident rate between MSCT pattern and histologic distribution was 85.7% (60/70). In solitary and grouped lesions, accuracy for the detection of tumor extent with a deviation of less than 2 cm in length was 91.7% (55/60). CONCLUSION: MSCT is extremely accurate in the diagnosis of IDS and the multicentricity of breast cancer.     

Should breast screening programmes limit their detection of ductal carcinoma in situ?

OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown that the detection of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) aids the detection of small invasive cancers at mammographic screening. A correlation may therefore exist between a screening unit's DCIS detection rate and their small invasive cancer detection rate. We have therefore investigated the effect of DCIS detection rate on the detection of small (<15 mm) invasive cancers in the 95 units of the U.K. NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: DCIS detection rates were examined against large (> or =15 mm) and small (<15 mm) invasive cancer detection rates in women aged 50-64 years at prevalent and incident screens over a 3-year period. RESULTS: After adjusting for background incidence, screening units with the highest DCIS detection of > or =1.3/1000 detected over 20% more small invasive cancers than units with DCIS detection rates within the NHSBSP guidelines of 0.5-1/1000 (P<0.001). Sixty percent of units had DCIS detection rates above the guidelines. There was no correlation between DCIS detection and > or =15 mm invasive cancer detection. The results suggest that over the range of DCIS rates studied, that for every two extra DCIS cancers detected, an additional small invasive cancer (<15 mm) is detected that may otherwise not have been. The results therefore provide supporting evidence that the detection of DCIS aids the detection of small invasive cancers. CONCLUSION: Units with DCIS detection above the NHSBSP guidelines have significantly better small invasive cancer detection rates. The existence of an upper limit for DCIS detection within the NHSBSP may be preventing the detection of small invasive cancers, because units are not recalling some small clusters of calcification in order to keep DCIS detection rates down. The upper limit may therefore be inappropriate.     

Ultrasound guided core biopsy of suspicious mammographic calcifications using high frequency and power Doppler ultrasound

AIM: The pre-operative diagnosis of suspicious mammographic microcalcifications usually requires stereotactic needle biopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate if high frequency 13 MHz ultrasound (HFUS) and power Doppler (PD) can aid visualization and biopsy of microcalcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients presenting with microcalcifications without associated mammographic or palpable masses were examined with HFUS and PD. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy (USCB) was performed where possible. Stereotactic biopsy was carried out when US-guided biopsy was unsuccessful. Surgery was performed if a diagnosis of malignancy was made on core biopsy or if the repeat core biopsy was non-diagnostic. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (93%) had ultrasound abnormalities corresponding to mammographic calcification. USCB was performed on 37 patients. In 29/37, USCB obtained a definitive result (78.4%). USCB was non-diagnostic in 4/9 benign (44.4%) and 4/28 (14.3%) malignant lesions biopsied. The complete and absolute sensitivities for malignancy using USCB were 85.7% (24/28) and 81% (23/28), respectively. USCB correctly identified invasive disease in 12/23 (52.2%) cases. There was no significant difference in the presence of abnormal flow on PD between benign and malignant lesions. However, abnormal PD vascularity was present in 43.5% of invasive cancer and was useful in directing successful biopsy in eight cases. CONCLUSION: The combination of high frequency US with PD is useful in the detection and guidance of successful needle biopsy of microcalcifications particularly where there is an invasive focus within larger areas of DCIS.     

Mammographic predictors of the presence and size of invasive carcinomas associated with malignant microcalcification lesions without a mass

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the degree with which mammographic features predict the presence and size of invasive carcinomas associated with malignant mammographic microcalcification lesions without a mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammographic features were correlated with pathologic features in 304 consecutive breast carcinomas manifested by mammographic calcifications only in a prospective evaluation. RESULTS: Mammographic calcifications associated with breast carcinoma had the final pathologic diagnoses of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 65% of patients, DCIS with a focus of invasion in 32%, and invasive carcinoma only in 4%. Invasive foci were more likely associated with mammographic calcification size of 11 mm and greater (40%, 77/194) compared with 1-10 mm (26%, 29/110; p = 0.019). Invasive foci were also more likely associated with linear calcifications (44%, 55/126) compared with granular calcifications (29%, 51/178; p = 0.007). The frequency of invasion did not increase with calcification extents greater than 10 mm. The frequency of invasion ranged from 22% for less than or equal to 5-mm granular calcifications to 45% for linear calcifications of 11 mm and greater. Only 11% of cancers characterized by fine granular calcifications were associated with invasion as compared with 32% of those with coarse and mixed granular calcifications (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Mammographic calcification features of malignant lesions cannot predict the absence of invasion with greater than 90% predictive value or predict the presence of invasion with greater than 45% predictive value. Increased extent of calcifications greater than 10 mm was not associated with greater likelihood of invasion.     

Detection of Contralateral Breast Cancer Using Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer: Comparison with Combined Mammography and Whole-Breast Ultrasound

ObjectiveTo compare the screening performance of diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI and combined mammography and ultrasound (US) in detecting clinically occult contralateral breast cancer in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer.Materials and MethodsBetween January 2017 and July 2018, 1148 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 53.2 ± 10.8 years) with unilateral breast cancer and no clinical abnormalities in the contralateral breast underwent 3T MRI, digital mammography, and radiologist-performed whole-breast US. In this retrospective study, three radiologists independently and blindly reviewed all DW MR images (b = 1000 s/mm² and apparent diffusion coefficient map) of the contralateral breast and assigned a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category. For combined mammography and US evaluation, prospectively assessed results were used. Using histopathology or 1-year follow-up as the reference standard, cancer detection rate and the patient percentage with cancers detected among all women recommended for tissue diagnosis (positive predictive value; PPV₂) were compared.ResultsOf the 30 cases of clinically occult contralateral cancers (13 invasive and 17 ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]), DW MRI detected 23 (76.7%) cases (11 invasive and 12 DCIS), whereas combined mammography and US detected 12 (40.0%, five invasive and seven DCIS) cases. All cancers detected by combined mammography and US, except two DCIS cases, were detected by DW MRI. The cancer detection rate of DW MRI (2.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3%, 3.0%) was higher than that of combined mammography and US (1.0%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 1.8%; p = 0.009). DW MRI showed higher PPV₂ (42.1%; 95% CI: 26.3%, 59.2%) than combined mammography and US (18.5%; 95% CI: 9.9%, 30.0%; p = 0.001).ConclusionIn women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, DW MRI detected significantly more contralateral breast cancers with fewer biopsy recommendations than combined mammography and US.     

Comparison of preoperative simultaneous stereotactic fine needle aspiration biopsy and stereotactic core needle biopsy in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

PURPOSE: To compare the preoperative results of stereotactic fine needle aspiration biopsy (S-FNAB) with stereotactic core needle biopsy (S-CNB) performed simultaneously in breast lesions with the postoperative histopathological diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of all histological grades. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 733 consecutive stereotactic biopsies were performed between May 1993 and June 1999. In 72 patients with mammographic findings suspicious of malignancy who were subjected to breast surgery, postoperative histopathology showed DCIS. Preoperatively, S-FNAB and S-CNB had been done simultaneously in all patients, S-FNAB with spinal needle 0.7 or 0.9 mm and S-CNB was performed with an automated 2.1-mm biopsy gun. An average of 3 S-FNABs and 3 S-CNBs were performed in each patient. RESULTS: In 56 (78%) of the 72 patients S-CNB showed DCIS. In 3 patients (4%) the S-CNB revealed "probable carcinoma", in 7 patients (10%) "atypia" and in 6, the lesions were benign. In 34 (47%) of the 72 women S-FNABs showed carcinoma, not otherwise specified. In 6 cases (8%) the S-FNABs showed "probable carcinoma" and in 12 patients (17%) "atypia"; 8 lesions were benign and 12 not diagnostic. CONCLUSION: S-CNB was superior to S-FNAB in diagnosing DCIS. Only 6 patients (8%) received a benign or non-diagnostic preoperative diagnosis with S-CNB compared to 20 patients (28%) with S-FNAB. S-CNB was superior to S-FNAB for preoperative diagnosis of DCIS, but S-FNAB could further increase the sensitivity of the biopsy since it diagnosed cancer in 4 cases where S-CNB showed benign material.     

Breast imaging findings in women with BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast carcinoma

AIM: To document the breast imaging findings of women with BRCA1 and BRCA2-associated breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Family history clinic records identified 18 BRCA1 and 10 BRCA2 cases who collectively were diagnosed with 27 invasive breast carcinomas and four ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions. All underwent pre-operative imaging (29 mammogram and 22 ultrasound examinations). All invasive BRCA-associated breast carcinoma cases were compared with age-matched cases of sporadic breast carcinoma. RESULTS: Within the BRCA cases the age range was 26-62 years, mean 36 years. Two mammograms were normal and 27 (93%) abnormal. The most common mammographic features were defined mass (63%) and microcalcifications (37%). Thirty-four percent of women had a dense mammographic pattern, 59% mixed and 7% fatty. Ultrasound was performed in 22 patients and in 21 (95%) indicated a mass. This was classified as benign in 24%, indeterminate in 29% and malignant in 48%. Mammograms of BRCA1-associated carcinomas more frequently showed a defined mass compared with BRCA2-associated carcinomas, 72 versus 36% (73% control group) whilst mammograms of BRCA2-associated carcinomas more frequently showed microcalcification, 73 versus 12% (8% control group; p < 0.001). Thirty-six percent of the BRCA2-associated carcinomas were pure DCIS while none of the BRCA1 associated carcinomas were pure DCIS (p = 0.004). Of those patients undergoing regular mammographic screening, 100% of BRCA2-associated carcinomas were detected compared with 75% of BRCA1-associated carcinomas. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the imaging findings of BRCA1 and BRCA2-associated carcinomas differ from each other and from age-matched cases of sporadic breast carcinoma.     

Nonpalpable breast cancer: mammographic appearance as predictor of histologic type.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between mammographic appearance and histologic diagnosis of nonpalpable breast cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammographic characteristics of 317 consecutive clinically nonpalpable breast cancers in patients treated with breast-conserving surgery were reviewed. Malignant lesions were categorized as spiculated masses, other lesions, calcifications, and combined findings. Calcifications were characterized as amorphous, pleomorphic, or fine linear and branching. Logistic regression was used for the evaluation. Odds ratios (ORs) represent the magnitude of the association between a histologic diagnosis and a mammographic finding. RESULTS: Spiculated mass without calcifications (n = 150) and calcifications alone (n = 79) accounted for three of four cancers. A spiculated mass without calcifications was strongly associated with invasive cancers (OR = 12). Calcifications alone were strongly associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (OR = 19). In a decreasing order, the following invasive cancers were each associated with spiculated lesions without calcifications: ductal carcinoma grade 1 (OR = 28), ductal carcinoma grade 2 (OR = 17), lobular carcinoma (OR = 11), and ductal carcinoma grade 3 (OR = 4.6). Fine linear and branching calcifications alone were associated with not only DCIS nuclear grades 3 (OR = 17) and 2 (OR = 9.7) but also with invasive ductal carcinoma grade 3 (OR = 13). CONCLUSION: Mammographic appearance can be a predictor of histologic diagnosis in three of four nonpalpable breast cancers.     

A comparison of 14 and 12 gauge needles for core biopsy of suspicious mammographic calcification

This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of 14 vs 12 G needles in stereotactic core biopsy of mammographic calcification. A consecutive series of 100 impalpable mammographic calcifications, without an associated mass and requiring stereotactic core biopsy were randomly allocated to either 14 G or 12 G needle sampling. All biopsies were performed using an upright stereotactic digital unit (Senovision GE) and a Bard automated biopsy gun. Core biopsy results were categorized as either normal, benign, atypical ductal hyperplasia, suspicious of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), DCIS or invasive cancer. The radiographic calcification retrieval rates, complete and absolute sensitivity for malignancy of DCIS and DCIS with an invasive focus were obtained by comparison of core results with surgical histology. Radiographic calcification retrieval was achieved in 86% when using 14 G and 12 G needles. The absolute sensitivity and complete sensitivity for diagnosing DCIS were the same with 12 G and 14 G needles (72% versus 71% and 93% versus 94%, respectively). The use of 12 G needles does not appear to confer benefit over the use of 14 G needles in the diagnosis of mammographic calcification.     

DEGRO practical guidelines: radiotherapy of breast cancer II

Purpose

To complement and update the 2007 practice guidelines of the breast cancer expert panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) for radiotherapy (RT) of breast cancer. Owing to its growing clinical relevance, in the current version, a separate paper is dedicated to non-invasive proliferating epithelial neoplasia of the breast. In addition to the more general statements of the German interdisciplinary S3 guidelines, this paper is especially focused on indication and technique of RT in addition to breast conserving surgery.

Methods

The DEGRO expert panel performed a comprehensive survey of the literature comprising recently published data from clinical controlled trials, systematic reviews as well as meta-analyses, referring to the criteria of evidence-based medicine yielding new aspects compared to 2005 and 2007. The literature search encompassed the period 2008 to September 2012 using databases of PubMed and Guidelines International Network (G-I-N). Search terms were “non invasive breast cancer”, “ductal carcinoma in situ, “dcis”, “borderline breast lesions”, “lobular neoplasia”, “radiotherapy” and “radiation therapy”. In addition to the more general statements of the German interdisciplinary S3 guidelines, this paper is especially focused on indications of RT and decision making of non-invasive neoplasia of the breast after surgery, especially ductal carcinoma in situ.

Results

Among different non-invasive neoplasia of the breast only the subgroup of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; synonym ductal intraepithelial neoplasia, DIN) is considered for further recurrence risk reduction treatment modalities after complete excision of DCIS, particularly RT following breast conserving surgery (BCS), in order to avoid a mastectomy. About half of recurrences are invasive cancers. Up to 50?% of all recurrences require salvage mastectomy. Randomized clinical trials and a huge number of mostly observational studies have unanimously demonstrated that RT significantly reduces recurrence risks of ipsilateral DCIS as well as invasive breast cancer independent of patient age in all subgroups. The recommended total dose is 50 Gy administered as whole breast irradiation (WBI) in single fractions of 1.8 or 2.0 Gy given on 5 days weekly. Retrospective data indicate a possible beneficial effect of an additional tumor bed boost for younger patients. Prospective clinical trials of different dose–volume concepts (hypofractionation, accelerated partial breast irradiation, boost radiotherapy) are still ongoing.

Conclusion

Postoperative radiotherapy permits breast conservation for the majority of women by halving local recurrence as well as reducing progression rates into invasive cancer. New data confirmed this effect in all patient subsets—even in low risk subgroups (LoE 1a).     

BI-RADS categorization as a predictor of malignancy.

PURPOSE: To determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories 0, 2, 3, 4, and 5 by using BI-RADS terminology and by auditing data on needle localizations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1991 and December 1996, 1,400 mammographically guided needle localizations were performed in 1,109 patients. Information entered into the mammographic database included where the initial mammography was performed (inside vs outside the institution), BI-RADS category, mammographic finding, and histopathologic findings. A recorded recommendation was available for 1,312 localizations in 1,097 patients, who composed the study population. RESULTS: The 1,312 localizations yielded 449 (34%) cancers (139 [31%] were ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]; 310 [69%] were invasive cancers) and 863 (66%) benign lesions. There were 15 (1%) category 0 lesions; the PPV was 13% (two of 15 lesions). There were 50 (4%) category 2 lesions; the PPV was 0% (0 of 40 lesions). There were 141 (11%) category 3 lesions; the PPV was 2% (three of 141 lesions). The three cancers in this group were all non-comedotype DCIS. There were 936 (71%) category 4 lesions; the PPV was 30% (279 of 936 lesions). There were 170 (13%) category 5 lesions; the PPV was 97% (165 of 170 lesions). CONCLUSION: Placing mammographic lesions into BI-RADS categories is useful for predicting the presence of malignancy. Perhaps, most important, a lesion placed into BI-RADS category 3 is highly predictive of benignity, and short-term interval follow-up as an alternative to biopsy would decrease the number of biopsies performed in benign lesions.     

乳腺癌钼靶X线表现特征(118例分析)

目的：探讨乳腺癌的钼靶X线诊断价值。方法：回顾性分析经手术病理证实的118例乳腺癌的钼靶X线表现。结果：浸润性导管癌70例（59．3％）,导管原位癌17例（14．4％）,黏液腺癌7例（5．9％）,髓样癌5例（4．2％）,微小癌1例,其他类型癌18例。X线表现为肿块的80例（68．6％）,微钙化57例（48．3％）。肿块伴钙化31例（31／118,26．3％）,仅见微钙化13例（13／118,11％）,结构扭曲伴微钙化7例,局灶性致密伴钙化6例,仅表现为结构扭曲6例,异常血管影41例（34．7％）。结论：微钙化是导管原位癌常见的基本X线征象。结构扭曲和局灶性致密是乳腺癌容易忽略的特殊X线表现。异常血管影是乳腺癌重要合并征象。使用点压技术是提高X线诊断率的重要手段。     

临床不能扪及的乳腺导管原位癌及其早期浸润的X线征象分析

目的:分析临床不能扪及的乳腺导管原位癌(DCIS)及其早期浸润的X线征象。方法:经手术、病理证实的乳腺导管原位癌16例和原位癌伴早期浸润9例,观察其X线表现,并与病理对照。结果:25例X线表现均为钙化,其中按钙化形态分导管原位癌以碎石样钙化为主(6/16,37.5%),原位癌伴早期浸润以杆状钙化为主(5/9,55.56%);按钙化分布分,导管原位癌以成簇钙化为主(11/16,68.75%),原位癌伴早期浸润以成簇、段样为主(两者均为4/9,44.44%)。结论:DCIS及其早期浸润的X线表现有一定特征,通过乳腺X线检查,可提高DCIS及其早期浸润的检出率。     

Underestimation of invasive lesions in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast diagnosed by ultrasound-guided biopsy: A comparison between patients with and without HER2/neu overexpression

Purpose

To determine the rate of underestimation of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosed at imaging-guided biopsy and to analyze its association with HER2/neu oncogene, an important biomarker in assessing the tumour aggressiveness and guiding hormone therapy for breast cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 162 patients with DCIS diagnosed by imaging-guided core needle biopsy between January 2008 and March 2013. All of these patients received surgical excision, and in 25, the diagnosis was upgraded to invasive breast cancer. In this study, we examined the ultrasound, mammographic features and histopathological results for each patient, and compared these parameters between those with and without HER2/neu overexpression.

Results

Of the 162 DCIS lesions, 110 (67.9%) overexpressed HER2/neu. Nineteen patients with HER2/neu overexpressing DCIS (n = 19/110, 17.3%) were upgraded after surgery to a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. In this group, the upgrade rate was highest in patients with a dilated mammary duct pattern (42.1%, n = 8/19, p = 0.02) and the presence of abnormal axillary nodes (40.0%, n = 12/30, p < 0.01) at ultrasound and was significantly associated with comedo tumour type on pathology.

Conclusions

Biopsy may underestimate the invasive component in DCIS patients. Sonographic findings of dilated mammary ducts and presence of abnormal axillary lymph nodes may help predicting the invasive components and possibly driving more targeted biopsy procedures.     

Multicentric and multifocal cancer: whole-breast US in preoperative evaluation

PURPOSE: To evaluate preoperative whole-breast ultrasonography (US) in the management of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ipsilateral breast in 40 patients with known breast cancer or in whom there was high suspicion of breast cancer was evaluated with whole-breast US. Biopsy was performed on all discrete solid lesions. RESULTS: US depicted 45 (94%) of 48 invasive tumor foci and seven (44%) of 16 foci of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Mammography depicted 39 (81%) of 48 invasive tumor foci and 14 (88%) of 16 foci of DCIS. The nine (14%) of 64 malignant foci seen only at US included three infiltrating ductal carcinomas, two mixed infiltrating and intraductal carcinomas, two infiltrating lobular carcinomas, and two foci of DCIS. Two (18%) of 11 foci of infiltrating lobular carcinoma were missed at both US and mammography. Of 20 patients mammographically suspected of having unifocal disease, three (15%) required wider excision on the basis of US findings. Two additional foci were depicted only at US in one of 16 patients mammographically suspected of having multicentric or multifocal disease. Of four patients with mammographically occult disease, US correctly depicted the diffuse (n = 2) or unifocal (n = 2) extent of the cancer. CONCLUSION: Whole-breast US complements mammography in the preoperative evaluation of patients with breast cancer, particularly when breast conservation is contemplated.