Ultrasound features of triple negative breast carcinoma

Abstract

This article was granted by Kosin Medical colleage 2011 Purpose : Triple-negative breast cancer is characterized as a cancer with a high malignancy potential and a poor prognosis. Therefore, early detection of this subtype of breast cancer is vital. In this paper, we describe ultrasound findings of triple-negative breast cancer in our hospital cases and investigate the specific features of this subtype. Methods : From June 2010 to December 2010, ultrasound findings of 74 patients with breast cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Ultrasound findings were reviewed according to the BI-RADs. Ultrasound findings were classified as masses, low echoic area, distortions, and calcifications. Noted features included shapes, patterns of internal echoes, posterior echoes, vascularity. Chi-squared tests were used for statistical analysis. Results : Round shape was found in 20 patients (54.1%) in TNBC. And microlobulated margin was found in 16 patients (43.2%) in TNBC. Also echogenic halo and posterior acoustic enhancement was found in 34 patients (91.9%), 12 patients (32.4%) respectively. Round shape was more associated with TNBC than other tumor types (p=0.018). Also posterior acoustic enhancement was associated with TNBC than other tumor type (p=0.022). Conclusion : Ultrasound imaging together revealed that the ultrasound features of triple negative breast cancer include a round mass, with posterior echogenic enhancement.