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[Preoperative axillary ultrasound in breast carcinoma: value of the method in routine clinical practice]
K Hergan1, A Haid, G Zimmermann
1Zentrales Institut für Radiologie, LKH Feldkirch, Osterreich.
Aim:
To evaluate the significance of routinely performed preoperative axillary sonography in breast cancer patients.
Method:
191 patients with surgical treated breast cancer were analysed retrospectively. 74 patients of these had an axillary sonography done by 5 different examiners.
Results:
For detecting lymph node metastases sensitivity was 68.2% in all T-stages and 50% in T1-stages with a specificity of 100%. Classification of the axillary status (positive or negative for lymph node metastases) is possible in 90.5% for all T-stages and 94.9% for T1-stages. Microscopic and small lymph node metastases are missed by ultrasound. Compared to axillary palpation, sonography is better.
Conclusion:
Preoperative axillary sonography is an useful diagnostic method even when done routinely. If further criteria are considered, axillary dissection could be avoided in some patients.