[Present-day diagnostic techniques in breast nodes].

AIM

A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of preoperative diagnostic techniques in breast nodes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

110 females with breast cancer and 306 females with benign tumors of the breast were examined (mammography, ultrasound, aspiration biopsy). A new technique of ultrasound histography of the tumor which enhances diagnostic specificity of echography is introduced.

RESULTS

Diagnostic sensitivity averaged 82.8 +/- 3.9, 88.3 +/- 3.2, 69.3 +/- 4.5% for mammography, ultrasonic visualization and aspiration biopsy, respectively. Informative value of mammography and aspiration biopsy decreased in females of reproductive age, especially in preexisting hyperplastic processes in the breast.

CONCLUSION

With greater size of the tumor in the breast ultrasound becomes more sensitive but less specific. The additional histography of the tumor in such cases is useful.