ULTRASOUND IN THE DETECTION OF BREAST-CANCER ASSOCIATED WITH ISOLATEDCLUSTERED MICROCALCIFICATIONS, MAMMOGRAPHICALLY IDENTIFIED

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of US scann ing in detecting breast cancer associated with isolated clustered micr ocalcifications (MC) mammographically identified. 52 isolated clusters of IMC 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 n eedle aspiration was performed under radiographical (Rx)-guidance, onl y 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 dem onstrated that US-positivity significantly correlated with the presenc e of malignant lesions (p<0.001). US-examination should also be perfor med in cases of isolated clustered microcalcifications for a more accu rate selection of cases requiring histological verification.