[Ultrasonographic study of the palpable breast tumor is very useful]

To determine the value of ultrasonographic examination in the assessment of palpable breast tumours, with special reference to the distinction between benign and malignant tumours.

Prospective ultrasonographic study; the results of the ultrasonographic examination were compared retrospectively with those of mammographic examination.

Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht.

In 282 successive patients, 300 palpable breast tumours were examined ultrasonographically in the period from December 1989 to May 1992 and the findings were compared with those of morbid-anatomical examination (histological examination in solid tumours, cytological examination in cysts). The results of ultrasonographic and mammographic examination of 241 tumours were compared.

Of the 300 palpable tumours examined ultrasonographically, 297 were included in the study (122 carcinomas and 175 benign lesions). The sensitivity of ultrasonography was 97.5%, its specificity 92.6%. The predictive value of a positive test result was 90.2%. When the results of ultrasonography and mammography were compared for 204 tumours, the sensitivity of ultrasonography proved to be 97.4% and its specificity 91.0%; for mammography, these figures were 91.3% and 75.3%, respectively.

Ultrasonography of palpable breast tumours can be a highly reliable diagnostic method, particularly with a view to distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions.