title: A new score for the evaluation of palpable breast masses in women under age 40.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid and accurate diagnostic test for palpable breast masses in women under age 40.
  
  
  METHODS
  Masses were evaluated utilitzing a modified triple test score (MTTS), which assigned scores of 1 point for benign, 2 points for suspicious, or 3 points for malignant findings from physical examination, ultrasonography, and fine needle aspiration. The MTTS was the sum of the three scores and was correlated with biopsy or follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 113 masses, 100 scored 3 points, 8 scored 4 points; all were benign. Three scored 5 points; 1 was malignant. Two scored >or=6 points: both were malignant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MTTS has 100% diagnostic accuracy when other than 5 points. Masses scoring <or=4 points are benign. Masses scoring >or=6 points may proceed to definitive therapy. Masses scoring 5 points (3%) require biopsy. This approach avoids open biopsy in the majority of cases, while capturing all malignancies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Katherine T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Vetto
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Petty
authors.forename: Sharon S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Lum
authors.forename: Waldemar A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: SuEllen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Toth-Fejel
authors.forename: Rodney F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Pommier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010173:Palpation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary