Value of Ultrasonographic Features for Assessing Malignant Potential of Complex Cystic Breast Lesions.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of ultrasonography (US) features for determining the malignant potential of complex cystic lesions.

METHODS

Seventy-nine complex cystic lesions were reviewed retrospectively. They were classified into four types according to US features in type I, the masses have a thick outer wall, thick internal septa, or both; in type II, the masses are an intracystic type with one or more discrete solid mural lesions within a cyst; in type III, the masses contain mixed cystic and solid components and are at least 50% cystic portion in a mass; in type IV, there are predominantly (at least 50%) solid masses with eccentric or central cystic foci. Positive predictive values were calculated for all types.

RESULTS

The frequency of malignancy was higher among type III and IV lesions than among the other two types. Lesions with a diameter greater than or equal to 20 mm, margins not circumscribed, resistance index greater than or equal to 0.7, and axillary abnormal nodes had a high probability of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

US is an important adjunct to evaluate the malignant potential of complex cystic lesions.