Comparative sonographic review of benign and malignant breast masses
Complex breast masses may appear as suspicious ultrasound ï¬ndings that usually warrant biopsy. Ductal Cell Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS) is a form of breast cancer with a non-uniform appearance and malignant potential. A longitudinal review of mammary gland ultrasound (with high frequency transducer) within a three-year period was conducted. Differential diagnosis of ï¬broadenoma, lactating adenoma, mastitis, galactocele, breast cancer, abscess and “general†masses greater than 16 mm in diameter was stratiï¬ed. Based on the Breast Imaging Reporting in Data System (BIRADS), lesions were classiï¬ed as benign or malignant and recommendations of cytology made in cases of observed overlap ï¬ndings. Image sonomorphologic information on mass-echogenic halo and non-uniform orientation were documented; while malignant factors like scar tissue, focal ï¬brosis and papillomas may be associated with a false positive (conclusion) result. Doppler studies on further mass evaluation is encouraged.