Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography
Published on: November 14, 2025
Ultrasonographic characteristics of mammographically occult small breast cancer
Pornpim Korpraphong1, Oranan Tritanon, Woranuj Tangcharoensathien
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Purpose:
To analyze significant ultrasonographic findings of small malignant breast mass (≤10 mm) which were occult on mammography.
Methods:
The study included 190 small breast masses (≤10 mm), demonstrated on breast ultrasonography, but not mammography. Histopathology (when the masses were biopsied) or serial breast ultrasonography (for at least 24 months) were used to confirm benign or malignant condition of the masses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify significant characteristic malignant findings on ultrasonography.
Results:
Of 190 masses, 46 were cancer, and 144 were benign. On multivariate analyses, irregular shape (odds ratio [OR], 10.4) and not circumscribed margin (OR, 31.6) were significant features to differentiate between benign and malignant breast masses. However, low width/anteroposterior ratio, echogenic halo, hypoechogenecity and posterior acoustic shadow, which were predictors for malignancy in large breast mass, were not documented in small mass.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, irregular shape and not circumscribed margin detected during ultrasonography were strong predictive signs of malignancy for small malignant breast mass.
