Metastases to intramammary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer: sonographic findings.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the sonographic characteristics of intramammary lymph node metastasis (ILNM) in patients with breast cancer and to assess the value of sonography and sonographically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in their diagnosis.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the charts and films of 19 women with biopsy-documented ILNM who were seen in our breast diagnostic center between December 1999 and July 2003. The sonographic appearance of the nodes was analyzed and correlated with clinical and mammographic findings and with biopsy results.


RESULTS
The ILNMs were clinically and mammographically occult in 7 (37%) of the 19 women. The diameter of the ILNMs was less than 1 cm in 15 (79%) cases. The volume of the central echogenic hilum was less than 50% of the total volume of the node in each of the patients. There was marked decrease in cortical echogenicity of the ILN in all cases. Metastatic involvement was established via sonographically guided FNAB in each of the 19 suspicious intramammary lymph nodes.


CONCLUSIONS
Sonography and sonographically guided FNAB are valuable methods of assessment for ILNM in patients with known or suspected breast cancer. The most consistent sonographic features associated with ILNM were reduction in the volume of the central echogenic hilum and marked hypoechogenicity of the node's cortex.
Edeiken-Monroe
Beth S
BS
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Monroe
Douglas P
DP
Monroe
Brett J
BJ
Arnljot
Kristine
K
Giaccomazza
Maria
M
Sneige
Nour
N
Fornage
Bruno D
BD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography