Pure and mixed tubular carcinoma of the breast: mammographic and sonographic differential features.
OBJECTIVE
We wanted to evaluate the mammographic and sonographic differential features between pure (PT) and mixed tubular carcinoma (MT) of the breast.


METHODS
Between January 1998 and May 2004, 17 PTs and 14 MTs were pathologically confirmed at our institution. The preoperative mammography (n = 26) and sonography (n = 28) were analyzed by three radiologists according to BI-RADS.


RESULTS
On mammography, a mass was not detected in eight patients with PT and in one patient with MT (57% vs. 8%, respectively, p = 0.021), which was statistically different. The other findings on mammography and sonography showed no statistical differences between the PT and MT, although the numerical values were different. When the lesions were detected mammographically, an irregularly shaped mass with a spiculated margin was more frequently found in the MT than in the PT (100% vs. 83%, respectively, p = 0.353). On sonography, all 28 patients presented with a mass and most lesions showed as not being circumscribed, hypoechoic masses with an echogenic halo. Surrounding tissue changes and posterior shadowing were more frequently found in the MT than in the PT (75% vs. 50%, respectively, p = 0.253, 58% vs. 19%, respectively, p = 1.000). An oval shaped mass was more frequently found in the PT than in the MT (44% vs. 25%, respectively; p = 0.434).


CONCLUSIONS
PT and MT cannot be precisely differentiated on mammography and sonography. However, the absence of a mass on mammography or the presence of an oval shaped mass would favor the diagnosis of PT. An irregularly shaped mass with surrounding tissue change and posterior shadowing on sonography would favor the diagnosis of MT and also a less favorable prognosis.
Shin
Hee Jung
HJ
Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Hak Hee
HH
Kim
Sun Mi
SM
Kim
Dae Bong
DB
Lee
Ye Ri
YR
Kim
Mi-Jung
MJ
Gong
Gyungyub
G
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary