Evaluation of breast lump using elastography, histopathology and its diagnostic accuracy

Abstract

Background: Current era has brought with it a dramatic climb in the incidence of malignancies especially breast carcinoma among females. It is known to be top most diagnosed life-threatening malignancy in females across the world. Thus, there is need for an imaging modality that helps in minimizing any delay in treatment initiation and avoids unnecessary biopsy. Elastography is a technique based on the concept that hardness of tissue increases proportionately with pathology developing within it compared to the tissue parenchyma surrounding it.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at JSS Hospital, Mysuru enrolling 90 patients who consented for the study. Patients who gave history of breast lump were admitted and evaluated with detailed history, clinical examination, followed by radiological and pathological investigation. Statistical methods were applied and sensitivity and specificity of B-Mode USG and elastography were determined. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology of the specimen.Results: Out of 90 patients, 46 lesions were benign and 44 were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of B-mode USG was calculated to be 71.74%, 90.91% and 81.11% and that for elastography was 95.65%, 68.18% and 82.22% respectively.Conclusions: In this study, elastography may complement conventional B-mode USG to improve the diagnostic performance.