[Sonographic findings in 133 malignant breast tumors in relation to their connective tissue content]

The sonographic results of 133 histologically proven breast malignancies are reviewed retrospectively and compared with the physical, mammographic and histopathologic findings. All tumours are classified in three groups according to their cell-fibrous tissue relation. The ultrasound features that are typical of each category are demonstrated and discussed. A close relationship is found between the sonographic findings and the amount of connective tissue in breast carcinomas. Tumours with a predominance of fibrous tissue show sonographic characteristics regarded as typical of malignancy, such as irregular form, hazy contours, heterogeneous internal echos, and dorsal acoustic middle shadow. In contrast, ultrasound findings suggestive of benign lesions--regular form, smooth contours, increased dorsal echos--prevail in carcinomas with little connective tissue. Because of its superior accuracy in detection of carcinoma in radiodense breasts, sonography is a useful complementary method to mammography. On the other hand, echography cannot replace mammography as a screening method, since its sensitivity in detecting non-invasive and small carcinomas is distinctly lower.