Invasive lobular carcinoma: sonographic appearance and role of sonography in improving diagnostic sensitivity.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the ultrasonographic (US) appearance of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and to assess the potential role of US in the earlier detection of ILC.


METHODS
US scans in 19 patients with ILC were retrospectively studied for the presence of a mass, characteristics of the margins, internal echogenicity, and attenuation effects.


RESULTS
US showed masses in 13 of the 19 patients (68% sensitivity). Irregularly marginated masses with heterogeneous internal echoes and acoustic attenuation were present in seven patients. A variety of US findings, mimicking a benign lesion, were noted in the other six patients. US sensitivity in the detection of small cancers (< 1 cm) was 25% (one of four patients). Mammographic sensitivity in the detection of ILC in this series was 89% (17 of 19 patients).


CONCLUSIONS
ILC has a variety of US appearances. US was insensitive and nonspecific in the diagnosis of ILC, especially for small cancers. A negative US result should not deter surgical biopsy if indicated by mammographic findings or clinical findings.
Paramagul
C P
CP
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0326.
Helvie
M A
MA
Adler
D D
DD
D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D010173:Palpation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary