The value of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound examination in the assessment of small breast tumours

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of 3D ultrasound examination in the diagnostic procedure of the small breast tumours.

Materials and methods

A total 182 small breast tumours were analysed in 146 patients aged ranging from 17 to 72 years. All patients had undergone two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound examination, 3D ultrasound examination and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy. 2D ultrasound examination was performed with seven to 12 linear probes. 3D ultrasound examination was performed with a linear scanner, 6–12 MHz (Voluson 730; KretzTechnik, Zipf, Austria). Fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed under ultrasound biopsy, method free hand.

Results

The study group consisted of 182 small breast tumours. The 2D ultrasound examination demonstrated dense cysts (9.34%), fibroadenomas (36.81%), and probable carcinomas (53.85%). 3D ultrasound examination showed dense cysts (48.9%), fibroadenomas (34.07%), and probable carcinomas (17.03%). The cytological results were benign (88.46%) and malignant (11.54%).

Conclusion

3D ultrasound examination improves small breast tumour diagnostics.