[5MHz realtime sonography of the breast. 2. Examination technic and diagnostic value]

The diagnostic value of mamma-sonography using realtime technique was evaluated in a prospective study based on the experience of 452 pathomorphologically confirmed sonographic results. Large cysts (greater than 1 cm) were correctly classified as 97%, while small cysts (less than or equal to 1 cm) were recognized in 84%. Eighty-six percent of the fibroadenomas were visualized; 50% of these lesions were classified as "benign" and 34% as "equivocal--probably benign". In 70% of the patients with mastopathic alterations, no abnormalities were detected sonographically, except when cystic lesions (greater than 3 mm) were present. Fifty-percent of the in-situ-carcinomas and small carcinomas (less than or equal to 1 cm) were recognized, while 97% of the larger carcinomas (greater than 1 cm) were demonstrated. The frequency of the different echographic criteria was analyzed with regard to the pathohistological results.