Ultrasonic mammography without specialized equipment. Comparison with clinical examination and x-rays

Ultrasonic mammography has been compared with clinical examination and X-ray mammography. Results for the years 1977-79 are shown. A general purpose compound scanner and a custom made water delay bath are used. Twenty three percent of patients undergoing breast examination had an ultrasonic scan. The lowest limit for cyst detection in 4 mm diameter and for solid tumours about 10 mm. Comparison of the three methods shows an agreement of approx. 87% in benign lesions (i.e. agreement in the type of benign disease), and between 16/18 and 17/18 in malignant lesions (comparison of suspicion of malignancy only). As a result of these findings ultrasound is used in our department as a useful auxiliary method.