Abstract
Breast sonoelastography is a relatively novel ultrasound (US) method that enables estimation of tissue stiffness to estimate the elasticity of normal breast tissue and seek to correlate it with well-known breast cancer risk factors. Two hundred women of different age were included in the study and completed a questionnaire about personal, familiar, and reproductive history. Glandular and fatty tissue elasticity in all breast quadrants was measured by shear wave elastography (SWE). Mean elastographic values of breast tissue were calculated and compared to personal history risk factors. Elasticity of normal glandular tissue (66.4 kilopascals (kPa)) was higher than fatty tissue (26.1 kPa) in all breast quadrants and in both breasts. Lower outer quadrant (LOQ) had the lowest elasticity values of both parenchyma and fat. Higher elasticity values of breast tissue were confirmed in the left breast than in the right breast. Glandular and fat tissue elasticity negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI). Women with mastodynia had higher glandular elastographic values compared to subjects without breast pain. Nuliparity was also associated with higher elasticity of glandular breast tissue. The results of this study are promising and could, over time, contribute to a better understanding of glandular breast tissue elasticity as a potential risk factor for breast cancer.
Highlights
Younger women typically have breasts with higher percent of glandular tissue.Breasts are exposed to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle [1,2,3]
Elasticity of normal breast parenchyma was higher than fatty tissue, with the lowest value in Lower outer quadrant (LOQ)
The left breast had higher elasticity values of breast tissue compared to the right breast
Summary
Breasts are exposed to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle [1,2,3]. They reach full development during pregnancy and lactation [3]. There is a reduction in breast parenchyma quantity and an increase in quantity of fat and connective tissue. Involution of breast parenchyma starts in the postmenopausal phase, and it is replaced with fat tissue, making the breast become less dense. Ligaments lose their elasticity, causing relaxation of breasts [1,2,3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
