Automated breast volume scanner for the detection of breast cancer in dense breasts

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the value of automated breast volume scanner (ABVS), mammography (MMG) and handheld ultrasonography (HHUS) for the detection of breast cancer in dense breasts. Methods One hundred and sixty-two women with breast cancer and dense breasts (breast density >50 %) were enrolled. All patients underwent preoperative ABVS, MMG, and HHUS, and the results were correlated with the biopsy results. Results In the 162 patients, 171 breast lesions were malignant tumors and 14 lesions were benign diseases. The false negative rate of ABVS was 3.2%(6/185), while the values of MMG and HHUS was 37.8%(70/185) and 10.8%(20/185), respectively. The sensitivity of ABVS was 96.5%(165/171), which was significant difference from HHUS (88.3%, 151/171) (P<0.01). The size of 151 tumors on HHUS and pathology were (1.91±0.98)cm and (2.02±1.09)cm. There was significant difference in tumor sizes of HHUS and pathology (P<0.01). And the size of 165 tumors on ABVS and pathology were (2.04±1.10)cm and (1.99±1.14)cm, there was no significant difference in tumor sizes of them (P=0.10). Conclusions ABVS has high sensitivity for the detection of breast cancer in women with dense breasts and is an effective adjunct imaging modality in measuring tumor size. In order to minimize radiation exposure, women with dense breasts could be directly evaluated with ABVS or MRI, rather than MMG, except there were microcalcification in their breasts. Key words: Ultrasonography, three-dimensional; Breast neoplasms; Breast density