| Abstract: |
Palpable lesions may be mammographically inapparent yet are clinically significant. This study was undertaken to determine their clinical importance as well as the role sonography can play in their evaluation. One hundred and twenty-six palpable lesions in 114 women for whom no mammographic findings were identified were prospectively evaluated; sonography was performed on 76 of these lesions. Of these women, 78% were under the age of 50 vs. 38% of all women undergoing mammography during the same period. A dense mammographic (DY or P2) pattern was present in 88 % and was the major cause of a negative mammogram, especially in women younger than 60 years. In the 11 women with less dense or fatty breasts and a negative mammogram who underwent biopsy, no focal lesions were found. Sonography was most useful in women 30-50 years old, in whom 19 of 20 cysts were found. Of seven cancers studied with sonography, two had no focal findings. False-negative mammography in women younger than 60 was usually due to a dense parenchymal pattern and in older women to histologically innocent findings forming a palpable abnormality. Sonography was especially useful in altering patient management in women aged 30-50. © 1995. |
