Whole-breast compression ultrasonography with the patient in the sitting position

To determine the accuracy of whole-breast compression ultrasonography (US) in scanning palpable and nonpalpable breast lesions, the author correlated the findings of this method with those of mammography for 121 patients, ranging in age from 22 to 71 years, over a 2-year period. The two methods were performed on the same day by the same radiologist, who reviewed the mammograms before conducting US. In total, 120 lesions were found in 90 of the patients. Of these lesions, 35 (29.2%) were found in mammograms but were not observed during whole-breast compression US; 26 of the 35 lesions were isoechoic and the other 9 were less than 5 mm in diameter. Eighty-five lesions were observed with both methods. The author emphasizes the need for compression during breast US as well as mammography. Whole-breast compression US allows a view of the whole breast, which complements the views usually obtained by mammography. This method confirms the isoechoic nature of some breast lesions. Although mammography remains the gold standard for breast screening, the author suggests that whole-breast compression US with the patient in the sitting position be used for further assessment of both palpable and nonpalpable lesions, in addition to lesion-directed US.