Accuracy of clinical and ultrasound examination of palpable breast lesions in a resource-poor society

Abstract

Background: Palpable breast masses are common presentations in resource-poor societies. Clinical and ultrasonographic breast examinations are commonly available means of evaluation. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of clinical breast examination (CBE) and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of palpable breast masses. Methodology: Consenting females presenting with palpable breast masses at the general surgical outpatient clinic were assessed clinically by the most senior surgeon, ultrasonographically by two radiologists, and the diagnosis compared with histologic examination. Results: One hundred and thirteen patients were recruited during the study period from January 2013 to April 2014. Of these, 53 patients (46.9%) had breast core biopsy, while 60 (53.1%) had open surgical biopsy. Only 67 (59.3%) patients had their histological results available. The mean age was 41.58 years (range 16–78). CBE achieved a sensitivity of 82.1%, specificity 67.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) 78%, negative predictive value 73%, overall accuracy 76.1%, false positive rate 32.1%, and false negative rate 17.9%. Breast ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 86.8%, specificity 72.4%, PPV 80.5%, negative predictive value 80.8%, overall accuracy 80.6%, false positive rate 27.6%, and false negative rate 13.2%. Conclusion: This study revealed no statistical significant difference between the accuracy of CBE and breast ultrasonography. We recommend that both should be used in the evaluation of palpable breast masses.