Architectural distortion of subcutaneous fascial layer in breast tumors: ultrasonographic evaluation.
To develop a criterion to evaluate architectural changes of the subcutaneous tissue layer around the breast, 120 patients with histologically proven tumors were studied as to ultrasonographical delineation of the superficial layer (SL) of the superficial fascia. Breast ultrasonography was performed using an electronic-linear scanner with a 5.0 MHz probe. When SL was identified over the tumor, it was classified into 3 types: flat, disrupted, and convergent types. SL was identified in 106 patients (88%). Forty-six were evaluated to be flat type, and 41 (89%) of them had benign tumors. The remaining 60 were subdivided into either disrupted (n = 44) or convergent type (n = 16); 53 (88%) of these 60 cases had cancerous lesions. Histologically, inward retraction of SL was the most common pattern in breast cancer. Thus, the ultrasonographic pattern of SL reflects the histological findings and can be a useful clue to differentiate benign lesions from cancerous ones.
Nishimura
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Department of General Surgery, Tenri Hospital, Japan.
Matsusue
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S
Koizumi
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S
Kashihara
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S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005145:Face / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary