Comparison of Mammography and Ultrasound Findings of Breast Masses based on BIRADS System with Pathological Findings

Abstract

Introduction: The situation of breast cancer patients has found a better perspective due to scientific and technological advances. The increasing use of imaging techniques such as mammography and ultrasound has been an important step in the early detection of breast cancer and has had significant effects on the biological increase of these patients. Breast cancer is diagnosed by combining findings from clinical examinations, imaging techniques and biopsy. The use of imaging along with thorough clinical examinations is recommended as an effective measure for better diagnosis of breast cancer. Therefore, the present study was performed to compare mammographic and ultrasound findings of breast masses based on BIRADS system with pathological findings.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and retrospective study was performed on women suspected of having breast cancer referred to a hospital who subsequently underwent biopsy or surgical excision of the lesion. Surgical pathology reports were reviewed by a surgical pathologist according to the standard procedure and classified as "malignant" or "benign". In sonography, breast composition, findings related to mass, presence of calcification, associated features and cases with unique diagnosis or appearance of pathognomonic ultrasound were recorded. Mammography also recorded breast composition, mass findings, asymmetry, structural dislocation, calcification, and associated features. In order to analyze the data, SPSS software version 24 was used. Independent t-test, and chi-square were used to determine the significance. The P value 0.05 refers to the significance level.

Results: The mean age of patients was 40.59±13.03 years (11-82 years). And most patients were in the age group of 41-50 years (98 patients, 29.7%). It was also found that the prevalence of breast malignancy in women over 50 years was significantly higher than other age groups. The age of onset of breast cancer in other countries is over 50 years, while it is estimated to be over 40 years in Iran. 71 patients (21.5%) in the first degree relative had a family history of breast cancer, followed by 64 (19.4%) second degree relative. Additionally, 195 individuals (59.1%) did not have a family history of breast cancer. Also, family history of breast cancer had no significant effect on pathological findings (i.e., benign and malignant).

Conclusion: The most important reason for patients to refer to mass mammography in most patients was 4a breast masses based on BIRADS that had a diagnosis of fibroadenoma. Due to the importance of mammography and ultrasound, it is recommended that the quality and standard of these two diagnostic methods be standardized and improved, and the surgeon's clinical judgment based on history and correct clinical examination with these diagnostic methods should be the basis for breast diagnosis and treatment.