Diagnostic Values of Ultrasound and Mammography on Prediction of Lymphovascular Invasion in Breast Cancer

Abstract

ObjectivesTo study the role of ultrasound and mammogram features on the prediction of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in known cases of breast cancer.MethodsThe mammographic and sonographic findings of 187 cases of breast cancer from a single institution were classified into two groups by their LVI status. Then, ultrasound findings such as tumor margin, calcification, and vascularity were compared. Also, mammographic findings including tumor calcification, density, and shape were assessed between them. Pathological markers including estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER-2, and KI-67 were compared to find a possible correlation with positive LVI.ResultsMalignant lesions with mammographic approved calcifications are correlated with positive LVI (p-value = 0.01). On ultrasound, tumors with positive color Doppler vascularity have significantly more LVI versus vascularity negative mass lesions (p-value = 0.008). In immunohistochemical findings, LVI is significantly positive in tumors with a high level of KI-67 (p-value = 0.01).ConclusionSome mammographic and sonographic features are independent risk factors for tumor lymphovascular invasion. These findings can be used together as a predictor for the patient outcome and prognosis by determining the LVI status, as soon as possible.