Indications for Axillary Ultrasound Use in Breast Cancer Patients

BackgroundAxillary ultrasound has been adopted for preoperative planning in breast cancer. Our objective was to determine features predictive of abnormal AUS and/or positive axillary node needle biopsy (NBx).Materials and MethodsSingle-institution database of breast cancer patients identified patients with preoperative AUS. Patient characteristics and outcomes were correlated with AUS and NBx. Significant features were identified using univariable and multivariable analysis and correlative statistics.ResultsThree hundred thirteen breast cancers were evaluated. Abnormal AUS was demonstrated in 250 cases (80%). Node needle biopsy was performed in 247 cases (79%). Sensitivity and specificity was 93% and 48% for AUS and 86% and 100% for NBx, respectively. Palpable axillary adenopathy was significant in logistic regression model (P < .05). There were positive correlations between tumor grade, clinical T and tumor-node-metastasis stage, invasive ductal carcinoma histology, and inflammatory breast carcinoma with AUS and NBx (P < .05).ConclusionClinicopathologic features (grade, histology, tumor size) might help guide judicious use of AUS.