Correlation Between Ultrasonographic Features and Histopathological Findings in Breast Lesions

Introduction High-resolution ultrasound has been used successfully to differentiate benign and malignant breast lesions. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to examine the correlation of ultrasound findings, including shape, margin, echotexture, posterior acoustic features, orientation, and calcification, with the histology. Methods A retrospective, hospital record-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Radiology and Imaging. All patients undergoing ultrasound-guided breast biopsies performed from June 2018 to June 2021 were included in the study. Ultrasound images were retrospectively analyzed using the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL, USA). Lesions were analyzed for shape, margin, orientation, echotexture, posterior acoustic features, presence of calcification, and associated features as per the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) Ultrasound Lexicon 2013 (American College of Radiology, Reston, VA, USA). Histopathological findings of the lesions were collected from the Department of Pathology. Results A total of 153 biopsies in 153 patients were evaluated. Out of 153 lesions, 119 (77.78%) were benign and 34 (22.22%) were malignant. Fibroadenoma (55, 46.2%) was the most common benign lesion, and invasive carcinoma of no specific type (25, 73.5%) was the most common malignant lesion. Conclusion Age, shape, orientation, margins, and calcification were significantly associated with the benign or malignant nature of the lesion. The ultrasound features, such as shape, margin, calcification, and orientation, help to differentiate breast masses as benign or malignant.