Study: Ultrasound Could Help Reduce Number of Breast Biopsies

The number of breast biopsies might be reduced by as much as 28 percent if ultrasound was used to distinguish between benign and malignant breast lumps, according to researchers at the University of Michigan.

Researchers analyzed 157 solid masses in 141 women. Of those masses, 59 were identified on a mammogram or an MRI and 98 could be felt.

Eleven radiologists who specialized in breast imaging performed ultrasound screenings and classified the masses as either benign or suspicious.

"If we would have based the patient's follow-up on the radiologists' diagnoses following the ultrasound examination, we would have done 38 fewer biopsies reducing our biopsy rate by 28 percent," said Dr. Karen Hunt, senior staff radiologist and lead author of the study presented at the annual meeting of the American Roentgen Ray Society.

"If we would have based the patient's follow-up on the Stavros criteria, we would have done 24 fewer biopsies, reducing our biopsy rate by 17 percent," Hunt said.

"It is important to add that we could have reduced the biopsy rate without missing any cancers," added Hunt. "All 55 cancers were classified as suspicious by radiologist gestault and the Stavros criteria. At the same time, none of those identified as being benign have turned out to be cancer."

Other Sources: American Roentgen Ray Society