High-Resolution Ultrasound in Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Sensitivity, Specificity, and Clinical Implications

Objective This study aimed to explore the application of high-resolution ultrasound (HR US) in breast evaluation, with a focus on its sensitivity and specificity for the accurate characterization of breast lesions and the early detection of breast cancer. Materials and methods All patients presenting to the breast imaging department of MINAR Cancer Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, with clinically palpable breast lesions were included in this prospective cross-sectional study conducted from January 2023 to December 2023. Results In total, 6150 patients were registered. Of these, 242 were found to have different breast lesions on mammography and HR US. Lesions were categorized on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) scale. All were subjected to biopsies for histopathology to confirm the final diagnosis. Results were compared with those of histopathology. The true negative rate for malignancy in BI-RADS 2 and 3 lesions is 98.8% and 80%, respectively. The true positive rate for malignancy in BI-RADS 5 lesions is 99.14%, whereas for BI-RADS 4 lesions, it is only 12.5%. Specificity for BI-RADS 4 and 5 is 83.33% and 99.13%, respectively. Sensitivity for BI-RADS 2 and 3 lesions is 98.7% and 30%. Conclusion HR US has significant value in the characterization of breast lesions and holds particular importance in differentiating benign from malignant lesions, especially in situations where mammography is either unavailable or contraindicated. Additionally, it aids in the selection of patients for invasive procedures such as biopsies.