Related Experiment Videos
Invasive breast cancer: mammographic measurement
F L Flanagan1, M B McDermott, P T Barton
1Breast Imaging Section, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110-1076, USA.
Radiology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Mammography accurately measures invasive carcinoma tumor size, closely matching pathologic measurements. This imaging technique offers a reliable alternative for tumor staging when surgical pathology is not feasible.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Accurate tumor size measurement is crucial for invasive carcinoma staging and treatment planning.
- Mammography is a primary imaging modality for breast cancer detection and characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of mammographic tumor size measurements in invasive breast carcinoma.
- To compare mammographic tumor dimensions with pathologic measurements.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-five cases of invasive breast cancer were analyzed.
- Mammographic tumor size was determined from the largest dimension on standard projections.
- Mammographic measurements were compared to the largest tumor dimension in the gross surgical specimen.
Main Results:
- Mammographic tumor size demonstrated a strong 1:1 correlation with pathologic tumor size.
- Mammographic measurements were slightly larger than pathologic measurements, with an average difference of approximately 1 mm.
- Breast parenchymal pattern and the presence of ductal carcinoma in situ did not impact measurement accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Mammography provides accurate tumor size assessment for invasive breast carcinoma.
- Mammographic tumor size measurement can serve as a viable alternative to pathologic staging when necessary.