Correlation between Mammographic and Ultrasound Features and Histologic Grade in Patients with Breast Cancer
Boonyavee Hathaipiemsuk, MD1, Wasu Tanasoontrarat, MD1, Suwara Issaragrisil, MD1
Affiliation : 1Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective: To provide insights into factors influencing radiographic features in the prediction of histologic tumor grade, which in turn affects disease prognosis and treatment planning.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive retrospective study involved imaging findings of 118 patients diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma
whose diagnosis was confirmed through histopathological diagnosis based on tissue samples obtained during surgical procedures at the Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital from December 2020 until December 2023.
Results: Mass shapes exhibited a statistically significant difference, with an oval shape being more likely to be observed in high-grade tumors (45.7%) than in low- or intermediate-grade tumors (18.8%) (p=0.008). In addition, high-grade tumors presented a significantly higher prevalence of posterior enhancement (21.2%) compared with low- or intermediate-grade tumors (10.0%), (p=0.04).
Conclusion: Our study revealed that malignant breast lesions typically exhibit an irregular shape, hypoechoic pattern with indistinct margins and posterior shadowing on ultrasound. Mammography revealed that malignant breast tumors were irregular, high-density masses with indistinct margins and fine pleomorphic calcifications with a segmental distribution. Notably, mammography revealed that an oval shape was more significantly observed for a high-grade tumor compared to low grade. Moreover, posterior enhancement showed statistical significance in high-grade tumors. Remarkably, high-grade tumors may display imaging features similar to those of a benign breast mass.
Received 31 July 2024 | Revised 9 December 2024 | Accepted 18 December 2024
Keywords : Mammography; Ultrasound; Invasive ductal carcinoma; Breast carcinoma; Histological grade
