DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF NON-INVASIVE EXAMINATOINS IN SMALL CANCERS (t_??_2cm)

Abstract

We present the diagnostic results of palpation, mammography (MMG) and ultrasound (US) in small breast cancers (t_??_2cm).
3106 patients with histologically diagnosed breast disease, including 1941 with small breast lesions, were studied. In each examinations we classified patients diagnosed as having definite or suspected cancer into a positive group and those diagnosed as benign lesions into a negative group.
Positive predictive value of palpation, MMG, or US each was reduced significantly. However, that of combined examinations with palpation, MMG and US were not reduced.
Combined examinations with palpation, MMG and US are necessary for the detection of small breast cancer. Adequate biopsy is also proposed.