This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mainiero, M. B. Articles by Mayo-Smith, W. W. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Mainiero, M. B. Articles by Mayo-Smith, W. W.

Characterization of Breast Masses With Sonography

Can Biopsy of Some Solid Masses Be Deferred?

Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Brown Medical School, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island USA.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Martha B. Mainiero, MD, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Brown Medical School, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903 USA. E-mail: mmainiero{at}lifespan.org

Objective. To determine whether sonography can be used to categorize some solid breast masses as probably benign so that biopsy can be deferred. Methods. We prospectively characterized 844 sonographically visible solid breast masses referred for biopsy. Mammographic and sonographic features of the masses were recorded, and all masses were categorized by American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System classification before biopsy. Of the 844 masses, 148 were categorized as probably benign (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 3). Sonographically guided biopsy (n = 804) or fine-needle aspiration (n = 40) was performed for pathologic correlation. Results. Of the 148 masses that met the sonographic criteria for probably benign masses, there was 1 malignancy, for a negative predictive value of 99.3%. Conclusions. Follow-up can be an acceptable alternative to biopsy for sonographically probably benign solid masses.

Key Words: breast biopsy • breast cancer • breast sonography

Abbreviations: BI-RADS • Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System