Combined Evaluation of Breast Carcinoma with Digital Mammography and Sonomammography-A Prospective Study

• Main Authors: Kamini Gupta, Srishti Arora, Parambir Sandhu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Pvt. Ltd. 2018-04-01
• Series: International Journal of Anatomy Radiology and Surgery
• Subjects: elastography; malignant; microcalcifications; microlobulated; spiculated
• Online Access: http://www.ijars.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2018&month=April&volume=7&issue=2&page=RO30-RO37&id=2385

Introduction: The incidence of breast cancer is rising in developing countries with an annual increase of 3.1% in India. Early diagnosis, work up and intervention is saving many lives. Aim: To study and compare the mammographic and sonomammographic characteristics of breast carcinoma. Also, to evaluate the additional benefit of combining ultrasound with mammography by categorising them on the BIRADS system. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted over a period of one and a half year with a study population of 30 patients in the Radiodiagnosis Department of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India. All the cases underwent X-ray mammography and ultrasound (using high frequency linear probe, 5-12MHz). Elastography was also done in all patients. All malignant breast lesions were characterised on both modalities and comparison of characteristics was done. BIRADS score was given on each modality separately as well as by combining the findings of both modalities in all the patients. Results: Our results show that findings of mammography and sonomammography correlated well. Mammography was better in detecting architectural distortion and microcalcifications while sonomammography provided additional benefit by determining exact mass size, duct dilatation and hardness of malignant mass. When the results of both modalities were interpreted together, it was found to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion: We concluded that mammography and ultrasound are complementary to each other in malignant breast lesions and increase the confidence of diagnosis. Every radiologist should give a combined BIRADS score to grade breast masses irrespective of the age of patient and density of breast tissue, so as to avoid delay in diagnosis and treatment.