SONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF BENIGN AND MALIGNANT BREAST-LESIONS

Sonography can be used for the accurate differentiation of many benign and malignant solid breast lesions. However, considerable experience, and close correlation with the physical examination and the mammogram , are required to do so. Sixteen sonographic signs useful in this diff erentiation are reviewed. The specific sonographic appearances of the most common being entities are described. Primary breast malignancies are divided into five categories according to their sonographic presen tations: (1) classic neoplasms with irregular borders, echoic rims, an d usually posterior shadowing, (2) small, round neoplasms with no echo ic rim or posterior shadowing, (3) neoplasms with mixed or increased e chogenicity, (4) cystic or intracystic carcinomas, and (5) colloid car cinomas. Methods for identification of these different types of invasi ve malignancy, and of in situ carcinomas, are presented. The usefulnes s of sonomammography is considered in specific circumstances, includin g evaluation of mammographic or physical findings, dense breasts, post -radiation breasts, and women under 35 years of age.