Ultrasound findings in invasive breast CA link to histopathology

(HealthDay)—Histopathologic patterns and biomarkers for invasive breast cancer correlate with differences in findings on sonographic (US) imaging, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.

Melania Costantini, M.D., from the Brotzu Hospital in Cagliari, Italy, and colleagues examined the putative correlations between invasive breast cancer US findings and histopathologic patterns and biomarkers. They evaluated 100 women with invasive breast cancer. Hard copies of US examinations performed during US-guided biopsy procedure were evaluated by two experienced breast radiologists. They compared US characteristics with histopathologic features and biomarkers.

The researchers observed correlations for low-grade tumors with spiculated margins (P = 0.002) and hyperechoic halos (P < 0.001). There were correlations for high-grade tumors with abrupt interfaces, nonspiculated margins, and absence of posterior acoustic shadowing. Significant associations were seen for malignant breast masses with spiculated margins and hormone-receptor positivity. In the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive and triple-negative subgroups, the most frequent tumor grade was G3. Compared to those with G1 or G2 disease, patients with G3 tumors were significantly younger (51.3 versus 58.7 years; P = 0.004).

"Histopathologic patterns and breast cancer biomarkers determine differences in US imaging that can guide radiologists in better understanding the development of breast cancer and its prognosis," the authors write.

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