[Ultrasonographic study of the palpable breast tumor is very useful]. / Echografisch onderzoek van de palpabele mammatumor zeer waardevol.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of ultrasonographic examination in the assessment of palpable breast tumours, with special reference to the distinction between benign and malignant tumours. DESIGN: Prospective ultrasonographic study; the results of the ultrasonographic examination were compared retrospectively with those of mammographic examination. SETTING: Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht. METHOD: In 282 successive patients, 300 palpable breast tumours were examined ultrasonographically in the period from December 1989 to May 1992 and the findings were compared with those of morbid-anatomical examination (histological examination in solid tumours, cytological examination in cysts). The results of ultrasonographic and mammographic examination of 241 tumours were compared. RESULTS: Of the 300 palpable tumours examined ultrasonographically, 297 were included in the study (122 carcinomas and 175 benign lesions). The sensitivity of ultrasonography was 97.5%, its specificity 92.6%. The predictive value of a positive test result was 90.2%. When the results of ultrasonography and mammography were compared for 204 tumours, the sensitivity of ultrasonography proved to be 97.4% and its specificity 91.0%; for mammography, these figures were 91.3% and 75.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography of palpable breast tumours can be a highly reliable diagnostic method, particularly with a view to distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions.