Ultrasound is now better than mammography for the detection of invasive breast cancer

This study investigated the use of ultrasound (US) as a first-line diagnostic tool.

All women attending our breast center underwent bilateral whole-breast US in addition to all other investigations, and results were documented prospectively and preoperatively.

Of 796 patients with breast cancer, US was positive in 710 (89%) and mammography in 706 (89%) (P = not significant). Either US or mammogram was positive in 770 (97%). Of 537 (67%) symptomatic patients, US was positive in 497 (93%) and mammography in 465 (87%). Either US or mammography was positive in 515 (96%). Of 259 (33%) screening patients, 220 (85%) had invasive cancer. US was positive in 195 (89%) and mammography in 203 (92%) (P = not significant). Either US or mammography was positive in 217 (99%). Of 39 screening patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (5% of all patients), US was positive in 18 (46%) and mammography in 38 (97%).

US is significantly better than mammography for detecting invasive breast cancer (92% patients). The combination of US and mammography is significantly better than either modality used alone, together resulting in 9% more breast cancers detected.