Ultrasound in the detection of breast cancer associated with isolated clustered microcalcifications, mammographically...

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of US scanning in detecting breast cancer associated with isolated clustered microcalcifications (MC) mammographically identified. 52 isolated clusters of MC mammographically detected underwent histological examination. In all cases, ultrasonographic of (US) and cytologic examinations were performed for the improved definition of the nature of the MC. Fine needle aspiration was performed under radiographical (Rx)-guidance, only in cases of US-negativity. Ultrasound detected a breast lesion in 31 cases, out of which 24 (77.4%) were found to be carcinomas (invasive in 87.5% of the cases). Out of the remaining 21 US-negative cases, 7 (33.3%) were malignant lesions (15% invasive). Statistical analysis demonstrated that US-positivity significantly correlated with the presence of malignant lesions (p < 0.001). US-examination should also be performed in cases of isolated clustered microcalcifications for a more accurate selection of cases requiring histological verification.