Comparison of Ultrasound, Trucut Biopsy, and Their Combined Accuracy with Postoperative Biopsy in Breast Lumps

Abstract

Background: Breast lumps, a concern often surrounded by cultural taboos in India, demand effective diagnostic strategies, particularly with the prevalence of breast malignancy on the rise. Objectives: The primary objective is to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and trucut biopsy concerning postoperative biopsy in breast lumps. Subjects and Methods:: The study conducted at MGMCRI, Pondicherry, was a prospective diagnostic accuracy study involving 36 patients presenting with breast lumps. Participants were selected based on inclusion criteria of being over 18 years old and consenting to undergo both ultrasound and trucut biopsy, followed by definitive surgery. Exclusion criteria included patients unwilling to undergo surgery. Data were collected through detailed clinical examinations, ultrasound, and trucut biopsy, followed by histopathological examination after surgery. Statistical analysis involved calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall diagnostic accuracy, with significant results considered at P < 0.05. Results: Analysis across various age groups revealed a correlation between benign and malignant diagnoses made by ultrasound and trucut biopsy, demonstrating high diagnostic effectiveness for both methods. The sensitivity for both ultrasound and trucut biopsy was 100%, indicating excellent detection of true-positive cases. Specificity differed between the two, with ultrasound achieving 93.33% and trucut biopsy reaching 100%, highlighting its superior precision in identifying nonmalignant cases. Additionally, both positive and negative predictive values were exceptionally high, underscoring the reliability of these diagnostic tools in clinical practice. Conclusions: Ultrasound and trucut biopsy proved complementary and vital in diagnosing breast lumps, showcasing substantial correlation with postoperative histopathological outcomes. The study underscores the importance of these diagnostic methods in guiding appropriate surgical interventions for accurate diagnosis and management of breast lumps.

Keywords

• breast lumps
• diagnostic accuracy
• trucut biopsy
• ultrasound