Reliability investigation and influential factors analysis of BI-RADS-ultrasound categorization on the benign breast nodules

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the reliability of benign nodules diagnosed by ultrasound and analyze the probable factors of infecting the BI-RADS ultrasound categorization of breast lesions. Methods A total of 792 cases with initial category 3 assessments on BI-RADS ultrasound categorization consistent with more than 2 years follow-up or pathologic results were contained. The reliability of probable benign lesions were studied retrospectively,and several factors that could influence the categorization were explored such as age,breast lumps size,multiplicity,palpability,and US radiologist's experience referring to ACR-BI-RADS and the new categorizations recommendation. Results Of 792 breast nodules, 781 (98.6%) were benign and 11 (1.4%) were malignant. If the new categorizations recommendation was applied, 35. 1% (278/792) of all cased would have been upgraded to BI-RADS 4,81. 8% (9/11)of malignant tumors would have been found. The breast masses diagnosed by the junior radiologists were more frequently upgraded to BI-RADS 4 than senior radiologists' findings (P <0. 05), the nodules in women 40 years or older and multiple lesions were more frequently upgraded to category 4 (P <0. 01). The presence of palpability and mass size had on significantly influence the BI-RADS US categorization of breast nodules. Conclusions BI-RADS-Ultrasound categorization is relatively reliable to diagnose breast benign nodules. The multiplicity of breast nodules,patient's age and US radiologist's experience were found to have significant influences on the categorizations of probably benign breast nodules. Key words: Ultrasonography; Breast diseases; BI-RADS classification