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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
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Characterization of breast masses with sonography: can biopsy of some solid masses be deferred?
Martha B Mainiero1, Allison Goldkamp, Elizabeth Lazarus
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Brown Medical School, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903, USA. mmainiero@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.
