Evaluation of Focal Breast Lesions on Ultrasound, Color Doppler and Real Time Elastography: A Prospective Study

Background: Carcinoma breast most commonly diagnosed malignancy amongst women. Ultrasound in combination with Doppler, elastography appears to be reliable in differentiation of focal malignant and benign breast lesions. This differentiation helps young females in whom it is undesirable to go for FNAC and excision biopsy
Materials And Methods: A total of 50 patients with focal breast lesions confirmed on USG were enrolled on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients underwent ultrasound followed by Doppler and elastography. The RI,PI, FLR ratio and elasticity scores were determined in all cases and their correlation with the lesion was studied. FNAC was used for histopathological confirmation of the lesions.
Results: Total of 50 women who fulfilled inclusion criteria and gave consent were included in study. The most common age group was 41-50 years (30%) followed by 21-30 years (20%). The mean age of the studied cases was 40.74 +/- 14.56. The histopathology of biopsied specimen showed that out of 50 patients 13 had malignant lesion (26%), 37 (74%) had benign lesions. Mean RI and PI of Benign lesions was 0.60 +/- 0.06 and 0.82 +/- 0.10 and Mean RI and PI of Malignant lesions was 0.81 +/- 0.07 and 1.62 +/- 0.38. Mean FLR of benign lesions was 2.15 +/- 0.86 and malignant lesions were 4.18 +/- 0.47. Statistical difference in FLR of benign and malignant lesions was (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: Ultrasound, Doppler and elastography can reliably differentiate focal benign and malignant breast lesions. This obviates need for invasive investigations in patients.