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Showing papers on "Mammography published in 1981"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Transmission ultrasound computer-assisted tomography has been developed for detection and diagnosis of cancer in the breast and estimates of sensitivity and specificity are approaching those of X-ray mammography techniques.
Abstract: Transmission ultrasound computer-assisted tomography has been developed for detection and diagnosis of cancer in the breast. Pulses of ultrasound (8 MHz ±3 MHz) are transmitted through the breast in a coronal plane from a plurality of directions. The received signal is processed for arrival time and for changes in amplitude. The measured values for arrival time and attenuation are used in a convolution-back projection reconstruction algorithm to obtain estimates of the two-dimensional distribution of acoustic speed and attenuation within the scanned planes of the breast. Over 1000 images in breasts of approximately 150 patients have been scanned of whom 30 had biopsy proven cancer. Some common characteristics of the reconstructed images which are associated with cancer are 1) increased speed relative to the embedding tissue associated with 2) decreased attenuation in central region of the lesion usually with 3) a ring of higher attenuation at the border of the lesion. Current estimates of sensitivity and specificity of this system for cancer are approaching those of X-ray mammography techniques.

269 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
15 Jun 1981-Cancer
TL;DR: It is recommended that carcinoma found in an axillary node should be treated as a breast cancer, even in the absence of the breast tumor, despite whether the primary tumors were discovered.
Abstract: Twenty-nine cases were reviewed in which carcinoma manifested first as the enlargement of an axillary node from an occult breast carcinoma. A small hidden breast cancer was identified in 16 patients. In the remaining 13, the breast tumor was never discovered. Regardless of whether the primary tumors were discovered, the metastasis-free survival rates were comparable to those of patients with breast carcinoma with axillary nodal metastasis. The authors recommend that carcinoma found in an axillary node should be treated as a breast cancer, even in the absence of the breast tumor. Extensive investigative procedures in an attempt to uncover an extramammary primary site were largely unproductive and should either be omitted or performed selectively. Mammography, if positive or suspicious, can lead to the primary tumor in 75% of the patients, but, when negative, it does not necessarily exclude the breast as the source of the carcinoma. A carcinoma of the breast was found by pathologic examination in 44% of the patients with negative mammograms.

135 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The inverse relationship of age to stage in bronchial cancer suggests that screening by periodic chest roentgenograms and cytologic sputum examinations may be more appropriate for elderly than for younger populations in whom these screening methods have proved disappointing.
Abstract: In a study specifically addressing the age-stage relationship, the authors examined the distribution of 30,991 cancers by disease-stage versus patient-age at the time of diagnosis. For cancer of the bladder, breast, cervix, ovary and uterus (endometrium), a highly significant positive relationship was found between advancing stage and advancing age (P less than 0.001). For cancer of the kidney and stomach, the relationship held but was less significant (P less than 0.05). For colorectal cancer, no relationship was evident. For bronchial cancer there was a highly significant inverse relationship (P less than 0.001). After the site of origin of the cancer, the stage at the time of diagnosis was the next most important determinant for treatment and survival. These data emphasize the importance of periodic pelvic examination as a means of screening for asymptomatic cervical, ovarian, or other uterine (endometrial) cancer in elderly women. Also, the data support the importance of breast self-examination and mammography in screening for breast cancer in older women. The inverse relationship of age to stage in bronchial cancer suggests that screening by periodic chest roentgenograms and cytologic sputum examinations may be more appropriate for elderly than for younger populations in whom these screening methods have proved disappointing.

113 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a convolution-back projection reconstruction algorithm is used to obtain estimates of the two-dimensional distribution of acoustic speed and attenuation within the scanned planes of the breast, which are associated with cancer.
Abstract: Transmission ultrasound computer-assisted tomography has been developed for detection and diagnosis of cancer in the breast. Pulses of ultrasound (8 MHz ±3 MHz) are transmitted through the breast in a coronal plane from a plurality of directions. The received signal is processed for arrival time and for changes in amplitude. The measured values for arrival time and attenuation are used in a convolution-back projection reconstruction algorithm to obtain estimates of the two-dimensional distribution of acoustic speed and attenuation within the scanned planes of the breast. Over 1000 images in breasts of approximately 150 patients have been scanned of whom 30 had biopsy proven cancer. Some common characteristics of the reconstructed images which are associated with cancer are 1) increased speed relative to the embedding tissue associated with 2) decreased attenuation in central region of the lesion usually with 3) a ring of higher attenuation at the border of the lesion. Current estimates of sensitivity and specificity of this system for cancer are approaching those of X-ray mammography techniques.

103 citations


Patent
19 Jan 1981
TL;DR: In this article, an elastic, diaphragm-like film or a network of strands, permeable to ultrasonic waves, is used to support the patient's breast in the water bath.
Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic examination of a patient's breast by echo mammography. A container for holding water has an opening for the receipt of the patient's breast, typically while the patient is in a prone position. A supporting arm is arranged in the container for movement of an ultrasonic head in a series of essentially semi-circular arcs around the breast. A series of sonogram sectional images are produced and are stored in a conventional manner. The opening can be covered with an elastic, diaphragm-like film or a network of strands, permeable to ultrasonic waves, to support the patient's breast in the water bath.

54 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of 1,029 ultrasound B-scan examinations of the breast using two automated water-path scanners were correlated with histopathology data in 278 patients who had undergone biopsy, finding a sensitivity for breast cancer of 69% and 74% on initial independent readings when there was no knowledge of clinical data.
Abstract: The results of 1,029 ultrasound B-scan examinations of the breast using two automated water-path scanners were correlated with histopathology data in 278 patients who had undergone biopsy. Of the 1,029 patients, a subgroup of 709 patients had both ultrasound mammograms (USM) and radiographic mammograms (XRM) obtained. A sensitivity for breast cancer of 69% was found for USM and 74% for XRM on initial independent readings when there was no knowledge of clinical data. These are not statistically different using the McNemar test for paired comparisons. When the USM were reinterpreted with the knowledge of the patient's age, history, physical examination, and, when available, the XRM interpretation, the USM sensitivity for breast cancer was 79%.

53 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown in this paper that relatively simple ultrasound techniques, in combination with specific scanning protocols, can provide a more accurate diagnosis for pathologies in the breast of young subjects than does X-ray mammography.
Abstract: It is shown in this paper that relatively simple ultrasound techniques, in combination with specific scanning protocols, can provide a more accurate diagnosis for pathologies in the breast of young subjects than does X-ray mammography. Static, B -mode ultrasound instrumentation with close-interval scanning and transducers designed for the specific examination regime, was used to examine 116 symptomatic breast patients under 30 yr of age. Approximately 50% of the patients were diagnosed by ultrasound as fibroadenoma cases; biopsy of 22% of these cases indicated 100% diagnostic accuracy for the ultrasound technique. Thirty-one percent of the cases diagnosed as fibroadenoma by ultrasound were also examined by X-ray mammography; in 80% of these cases, X-ray mammography did not adequately image the mass.

52 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Skin changes, architectural distortion, and parenchymal scars were observed much less frequently 3 years after biopsy than they were within the first 6 months, suggesting that considerable resolution can be expected with time.
Abstract: Breast biopsy results in many radiographic abnormalities, some of which may be mistaken for carcinoma. A retrospective review of 4,023 mammographic examinations was undertaken to determine the incidence and natural history of postbiopsy changes, in order to provide background information helpful in differentiating postsurgical scarring from breast cancer. The study comprised 863 patients who had undergone biopsy before mammography (1,049 breasts). Abnormalities attributed to prior biopsy were found in 474 breasts (45%). Skin changes (thickening and deformity), architectural distortion, and parenchymal scars (poorly defined masses often with spiculated margins) were observed much less frequently 3 years after biopsy than they were within the first 6 months, suggesting that considerable resolution can be expected with time. All abnormal mammographic findings were detected in patients radiographed within 6 months of biopsy, most within 1-2 months of biopsy. These observations may be helpful, in carefully sel...

47 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: This study confirms the findings of others that mammography is not a reliable technique for evaluating the clinically suspicious breast lesion and must not be used as a substitute for biopsy of such lesions.
Abstract: Because of reports that negative mammographic findings have resulted in a delay of treatment in patients with breast cancer, the authors reviewed their experience with mammography in 160 patients, admitted to the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital in Montreal over a 28-month period, who had histologically verified carcinoma of the breast. Of these patients 153 had clinically palpable masses and 7 had occult carcinomas. The mammogram was considered to be positive for carcinoma in 112 (73.2%) and negative in 41 (26.8%). In 44 patients under the age of 50 years the mammogram was positive in 26 (59.1%) and negative in 18 (40.9%), a significant difference (P less than 0.05). There was no significant difference between the findings of mammograms read by the hospital radiologists and those read by community radiologists. This study confirms the findings of others that mammography is not a reliable technique for evaluating the clinically suspicious breast lesion and must not be used as a substitute for biopsy of such lesions.

41 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Despite differences in the frequency with which each surgeon found abnormalities or masses, or recommended mammography or biopsy, the diagnostic accuracy of the surgeons was very similar, and most disagreements concerned the findings in patients who did not have breast cancer.
Abstract: The reliability of physical examination of the breast was evaluated by determining the extent of agreement among four experienced breast surgeons who examined the same 100 patients. The consequences of disagreements among surgeons were assessed by determining the diagnostic accuracy of each examiner. Despite differences in the frequency with which each surgeon found abnormalities or masses, or recommended mammography or biopsy, the diagnostic accuracy of the surgeons was very similar, and most disagreements concerned the findings in patients who did not have breast cancer. Breast examination carried out by more than one surgeon may reduce the frequency with which biopsy is performed in patients who do not have breast cancer.

39 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Five breast carcinomas in four patients were seen on mammography as clinically occult masses at least 1 cm in diameter and did not change in size on follow-up xeromammography over a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4.5 years.
Abstract: The observation of growth rates of human breast cancers on serial mammography has afforded an opportunity to document the spectrum of the natural history of these tumors in vivo. Five breast carcinomas in four patients were seen on mammography as clinically occult masses at least 1 cm in diameter. These lesions did not change in size on follow-up xeromammography over a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4.5 years from the original radiographic examination. Since it is common practice for radiologists to recommend a repeat examination in 3-12 months of nonpalable masses, architectural distortions, and asymmetric areas of increased density which may not have typical signs of malignancy, the lack of interval changes does not necessarily indicate a benign process.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The overall mammographic appearance of milk of calcium cysts is quite characteristic, permitting them to be a differentiated from malignant breast microcalcifications with a high level of confidence.
Abstract: Small amounts of milk of calcium settling to the bottom of multiple tiny benign breast cysts produce the mammographic picture of clustered linear and curvilinear calcifications when imaged in lateral projection with a horizontal x-ray beam. These calcifications, although benign, may be confused with the microcalcifications of carcinoma. Milk of calcium is found much more frequently in small breast cysts than anywhere else in the body. It is not at all uncommon, occurring in more than 4% of women undergoing diagnostic mammography. Fortunately, the overall mammographic appearance of milk of calcium cysts is quite characteristic, permitting them to be a differentiated from malignant breast microcalcifications with a high level of confidence.

Journal ArticleDOI
15 Jul 1981-Cancer
TL;DR: M Mammography has become the standard method for detecting lumps in the early, nonpalpable stage, but refinements in thermography, ultrasound, and CT scanning may become more useful and analysis of nipple secretions for chemical markers or for cytologic diagnosis may becomeMore reliable.
Abstract: Changes in the breast begin at the time of puberty because of the cyclical influence of ovarian hormones. This intermittent stimulation usually results in some nodularity of the breast by the time a woman reaches 30 and frequently at an earlier age. The real importance of fibrocystic disease is related to the problem of differential diagnosis of benign from malignant lumps. Mammography has become the standard method for detecting lumps in the early, nonpalpable stage, but refinements in thermography, ultrasound, and CT scanning may become more useful. Considerable work is apparently being done on various chemical markets, but at the present time, they are not sufficiently reliable for routine clinical use. Fine needle aspiration biopsy with cytologic analysis has become more popular as a detection method, and core needle biopsies with histology are sometimes used. Analysis of nipple secretions for chemical markers or for cytologic diagnosis may become more reliable. A combination of factors will probably give the best results, at least in the foreseeable future, and the judgment of an informed and skilled examiner will remain the best method for the detection of early breast cancer for many years to come.

Journal ArticleDOI
18 Dec 1981-JAMA
TL;DR: Ten cases are described to illustrate five benefits of mammography: confirm the presence of an evident neoplasm, define the three breast masses that do not require biopsy, demonstrate ipsilateral multicentricity of breast cancer, discover occult contralateral cancer, and detect occult malignant neoplasia elsewhere in a breast having a mass excised or reconstruction performed.
Abstract: Mammography has a significant role to play before any breast surgery is performed Ten cases are described to illustrate five benefits: (1) confirm the presence of an evident neoplasm, (2) define the three breast masses that do not require biopsy, (3) demonstrate ipsilateral multicentricity of breast cancer, (4) discover occult contralateral cancer, and (5) detect occult malignant neoplasia elsewhere in a breast having a mass excised or reconstruction performed ( JAMA 1981;246:2819-2822)

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 1981-Cancer
TL;DR: The value of mammography in the symptomatic patient has been adequately documented, but its use as a detection procedure remains a question, and minimal dose mammography is an accurate, low‐risk procedure, capable of significantly altering the natural history of breast cancer.
Abstract: The value of mammography in the symptomatic patient has been adequately documented, but its use as a detection procedure remains a question. Risk-benefit ratios, based primarily upon the study carried out by the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York, have suggested that the technique has little value in individuals under age 50. Emphasis has been placed upon the possible carcinogenic effects of radiation as compared with the efficacy of mammography and the questionable influence of early diagnosis upon end results. Although technical advances have substantially reduced the exposure of the patient to radiation, the possibility of significant information loss as the result of these developments has been considered a potential drawback to their routine use. All of these factors have served to diminish both public and professional acceptance of the examination. Although current data do not allow complete resolution of these problems, certain conclusions may be drawn and trends established. The sum of these may indicate that minimal dose mammography is an accurate, low-risk procedure, capable of significantly altering the natural history of breast cancer. Whether or not the examination should be routinely used in women under age 50 remains open to question since the lack of experimental controlsmore » prohibits validation of the technique in terms of reduced mortality rates. Documentation of increased survival rates may partially assist in the established of a reliable risk-benefit ratio, but will not satisfy the statistical requirements of eliminating lead-bias, and self-selection. These questions may be resolved by studies now underway.« less

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two cases of minimal breast carcinoma measuring less than 5 mm in diameter have been detected and correctly diagnosed using computed tomographic mammography (CT/M).
Abstract: • If breast cancer can be detected early, while it is still localized and before it can be palpated, the prognosis for cure is excellent. Heretofore, conventional mammography has been the only means available to detect cancer at such an early stage. Two cases of minimal breast carcinoma measuring less than 5 mm in diameter have been detected and correctly diagnosed using computed tomographic mammography (CT/M). Both cases occurred in fatty breasts and were clinically and mammographically occult. These cases demonstrate the value of CT/M in the diagnosis of minimal breast carcinoma that would have been missed otherwise. ( Arch Surg 116:114-117, 1981)

Journal Article
TL;DR: It is shown that with modern low-dose mammography, even when a conservative estimate of possible reduction in mortality due to early detection is applied to the data, the estimated benefit substantially exceeds any possible hazard.
Abstract: A controlled randomized trial of breast cancer screening has been initiated in Canada. This paper presents an analysis of the possible benefit from screening relative to the possible radiation risk from mammography for those women who will be screened in the trial. It shows that with modern low-dose mammography, even when a conservative estimate of possible reduction in mortality due to early detection is applied to the data, the estimated benefit substantially exceeds any possible hazard.

Journal Article
TL;DR: A model of breast cancer is validated by showing that predictions from the model are similar to a variety of reported data on breast cancer, and reproduces the finding reported from the HIP screening program that there is no statistically significant benefit from screening younger women for breast cancer.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Of 36 enlarged reactive or malignant lymph nodes, 32 were detected by ultrasound and only 18 by clinical examination, while the respective diagnostic accuracy for benign lesions was 88.3%, 85%, and 91.7%.
Abstract: One hundred eleven palpable breast tumours were evaluated clinically, by mammography, and by ultrasound; upon histological examination 51 of the tumours turned out to be malignant and 60 benign. In 44 tumours, which appeared malignant on the ultrasound scan, the axilla was also scanned and the findings were compared with the results of histological examination of excised lymph nodes. The diagnostic accuracy for malignancy of breast tumours was 86.3% for ultrasound scans, 80.4% for mammography, and 78.4% for clinical evaluation; the respective diagnostic accuracy for benign lesions was 88.3%, 85%, and 91.7%. Of 36 enlarged reactive or malignant lymph nodes, 32 were detected by ultrasound and only 18 by clinical examination.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The mean breast dose per mammogram with low-h.v.l. screen-film techniques was 3 to 9 times lower than for xeromammography, suggesting that general acceptance of screen- film techniques can significantly reduce the risk associated with mammography.
Abstract: An energy-balance approach for calculation of mean, integral, and midpoint doses in mammography is introduced. Estimation of mean absorbed dose for individual applications is described. Differences in breast composition and thickness are accounted for by simple measurements of entrance and exit exposures. Calculations made for a range of xeromammographic techniques used at various breast cancer detection centers show that although increasing the beam h.v.l. dramatically decreases breast surface exposure, it is insignificant in lowering mean breast dose or radiation risk. Thus selection of a moderate h.v.l. to optimize image quality (soft-tissue contrast) in xeromammography may be more beneficial than unduly increasing h.v.l. merely to reduce surface exposure. The mean breast dose per mammogram with low-h.v.l. screen-film techniques was 3 to 9 times lower than for xeromammography, suggesting that general acceptance of screen-film techniques can significantly reduce the risk associated with mammography.


Journal Article
TL;DR: Although benign lesions of the breast may, on occasion, be indistinguishable from carcinoma on mammography, the presence of a typical malignant tumor justifies a strong roentgenographic impression which shoud be nearly 100 per cent accurate.
Abstract: Although benign lesions of the breast may, on occasion, be indistinguishable from carcinoma on mammography, the presence of a typical malignant tumor justifies a strong roentgenographic impression which shoud be nearly 100 per cent accurate. During the past three years, 435 carcinomas of the breast were evaluated by xeromammography prior to surgial excision, 370 of which presented as palpable lesions. In six patients, the initial biopsy of a palpable area yielded benign results, despite a roentgenographic report indicating the presence of a carcinoma. Repeat mammography after biopsy documented the persistence of the suspicious area, all of which were carcinoma upon re-excision. Roentgenographic reappraisal is imperative in circumstances in which the biopsy results do not corroborate the roentgenographic findings. Preoperative needle localization is a useful adjunctive measure to ensure that a palpable area corresponds to a mass visible on the mammogram.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The theory developed by Muntz describing the relative detectability of calcifications in mammography has been recast in a way that permits meaningful experimental verification and the power of using a normalization to a reference condition is demonstrated.
Abstract: The theory developed by Muntz describing the relative detectability of calcifications in mammography has been recast in a way that permits meaningful experimental verification. An important result of this study is the demonstration of the power of using a normalization to a reference condition. Properly employed, normalization suppresses many of the difficult physical and psychovisual factors that appear in any attempt at analyzing radiographic examinations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Preliminary results show that diagnostic magnification images of breast masses and microcalcifications are feasible with low radiation doses.
Abstract: The authors describe a new reduce-dose magnification mammography system which uses a microfocal-spot/tungsten-target x-ray tube in conjunction with a high-speed, rare-earth film/screen system. Physical measurements of imaging parametes, phantom tests, and limited clinical trials are reported. Although this system is not yet ready for general use, preliminary results show that diagnostic magnification images of breast masses and microcalcifications are feasible with low radiation doses.

Journal Article
TL;DR: It is felt at this time, that data are sufficient to permit a reasonable preliminary assessment of risk-benefit ratios and the possibility that radiation-induced breast cancer may occur more frequently than cancer more amenable to cure.
Abstract: Despite advances in treatment, mortality rates from breast cancer remain high. Five-year relative survival rates have remained virtually unchanged from 1950 through 1969 (1). In an attempt to turn down the mortality curve and raise up the 5-year suniival curves, large scale screening studies to find smaller and yet smaller lesions utilizing mammography have been proposed. The ongoing prospective study of the Health Insurance Program of New York demonstrates that survival in screened patients is improved over the nonscreened group. In fact, Shapiro says only one death occurred among the 44 patients whose breast cancer was detected during screening through mammography alone (7). It is generally well accepted that the two most important correlates of prognosis in patients with carcinoma of the breast \ are size of the primary tumor, and the presence or absence of involved axillary lymph nodes (2, 8). While, generally speaking, lesions of 1 em or so in size, when limited to the breast, are considered as having a very favorable prognosis, Gallager and Martin have emphasized the concept of "minimal" breast cancer (3). This includes carcinoma, lobular or ductal which is totally in situ, or invasive cancer less than 5 mm in diameter with no evidence of regional spread. Wanebos et al. (9) have reported that in 162 patients with minimal breast cancer whom they have treated, the 10-year crude survival rate is 95 %; i.e., no patient in that series had died either of, or with, cancer of the breast. It has already been amply demonstrated that, by an aggressive approach to screening, a high proportion of minimal breast cancers and Stage I carcinomas of the breast can be detected in self-referred patient populations (4-6). Nevertheless, despite these observations, one must consider the possibility that radiation-induced breast cancer may occur more frequently than cancer more amenable to cure. We feel at this time, that our data are sufficient to permit a reasonable preliminary assessment of risk-benefit ratios. There were 91,733 exposures recorded on all our Xerox processing units. This includes one machine which has been replaced, and three units currently in operation since the center was opened. Also metered are studies performed on consultation patients. The results of the latter group of patients are not included in the data reported in the screening study. Including consultations examined from August 1973 (but excluding those examined from 11/72 through 7/73) 19,442 mammographic examinations were performed. This would yield an average of 4.7 exposures/examination, or 2.35 exposures! breast/examination. During the first year of operation of the center, 26 % of the patients were called back for a repeat mammogram. Often, only one side, and not infrequently only a single view, were obtained. During the second year of our operation, only 11% of the patients being screened for the first time required an additional x-ray exposure. Therefore, we estimate that patients being screened for the flrsttlrne in our center will receive an average of 2.8 exposures per breast.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Contact plate thermography is a quick, inexpensive, and harmless diagnostic procedure, and further evaluation of it is indicated, including its possible inclusion in breast cancer screening programs.
Abstract: • Ninety-four consecutive patients who underwent breast biopsy were prospectively evaluated with contact plate thermography. Final diagnosis based on surgically excised tissue was used as the standard of comparison. There were 77 benign lesions and 17 malignant lesions in the study group. A diagnosis of cancer was made by contact plate thermography in 11 of the 17 patients with malignant neoplasms, with six false-negative diagnoses. Among the 77 histologically benign lesions, contact plate thermography made the correct diagnosis in 66 cases, with 11 false-positive results. Considering all 94 patients, contact plate thermography was accurate in 81.9%, with 6.4% false-negative and 11.7% false-positive diagnoses. These data compared favorably with other diagnostic data used in this study, namely physical examination and mammography. Contact plate thermography is a quick, inexpensive, and harmless diagnostic procedure. Further evaluation of it is indicated, including its possible inclusion in breast cancer screening programs. ( Arch Surg 1981;116:271-273)

Journal Article
TL;DR: The three cancers falsely classified as benign at clinical examination were correctly identified as malignant only by mammography or cytology or both and the number of false positive cases was high, especially with the transillumination procedures.
Abstract: Transillumination of the female breast has during the past few years been reintroduced as an aid in the diagnosis of breast lesions. A series of 259 women with symptoms from the breast were examined by mammography, clinical examination by two independent surgeons, diaphanoscopy by one of the surgeons, diaphanography, and fine needle aspiration biopsy of material taken from palpable tumours. The results were evaluated in order to ascertain the contribution made by transillumination procedures to the diagnosis of malignancy. Carcinoma of the breast was confirmed in 26 women. The malignancy was correctly suggested in 21 and 23 women, respectively, at clinical examination, in 19 by mammography, in 20 by diaphanoscopy, in 16 by diaphanography and in 20 by aspiration cytology. The number of false positive cases was high, especially with the transillumination procedures. All malignancies detected by diaphanoscopy were also believed to be carcinoma at the clinical examination. The three cancers falsely classified as benign at clinical examination were correctly identified as malignant only by mammography or cytology or both.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: 99m Tc-pertechnetrate breast scanning is employed in selected cases as a complement to mammography when the diagnosis was uncertain, and in such cases the combined use increased the diagnostic accuracy.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors were able to show in a small comparative series that grouped calcifications can be detected even without previous information of their presence.
Abstract: Sonography can yield indirect visualization only of microcalcifications in the female breast. In order to obtain an image of the echo pattern of the grouped microcalcifications, it is essential that the device employed possesses suitable dynamic characteristics, and it is also necessary to employ the technique of additive tomography. The investigator must familiarize himself with the proper interpretation of reflex patterns. Microcalcifications cannot be detected via sonography with the same degree of accuracy as with the help of mammography. However, sonographic detection is easier if the microcalcifications are more closely grouped. Nevertheless, the authors were able to show in a small comparative series that grouped calcifications can be detected even without previous information of their presence.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was found that with the present technique immersion of the breast in most cases is less satisfactory than compression of the breasts, and the compound scan improves the information as compared with a single scan up to a point.
Abstract: The experience with the sonographic examination of 80 patients with an Octoson body unit is described. It was found that with the present technique immersion of the breast in most cases is less satisfactory than compression of the breast. The compound scan improves the information as compared with a single scan up to a point. Immersion sonography, like all other types of ultrasound examination, is at present not satisfactory as the sole method for examining the breast. As an addition to mammography and palpation, sonography is, however, already an important complementary method.