title: Characterization of breast masses with sonography: can biopsy of some solid masses be deferred?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether sonography can be used to categorize some solid breast masses as probably benign so that biopsy can be deferred.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively characterized 844 sonographically visible solid breast masses referred for biopsy. Mammographic and sonographic features of the masses were recorded, and all masses were categorized by American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System classification before biopsy. Of the 844 masses, 148 were categorized as probably benign (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 3). Sonographically guided biopsy (n = 804) or fine-needle aspiration (n = 40) was performed for pathologic correlation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 148 masses that met the sonographic criteria for probably benign masses, there was 1 malignancy, for a negative predictive value of 99.3%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Follow-up can be an acceptable alternative to biopsy for sonographically probably benign solid masses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Brown Medical School, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903, USA. mmainiero@lifespan.org
authors.forename: Martha B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Mainiero
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goldkamp
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lazarus
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Livingston
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Koelliker
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schepps
authors.forename: William W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Mayo-Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary