Utility of ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the axilla in the assessment of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast

Judy C. Boughey, Lavinia P. Middleton, Lori Harker, Betsy Garrett, Bruno Fornage, Kelly K. Hunt, Gildy V. Babiera, Peter Dempsey, Isabelle Bedrosian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The unique growth pattern of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) poses a challenge for preoperative assessment of disease extent within the breast. Whether it similarly limits lymph node staging by ultrasound (US) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy was the subject of the current study. Methods: A total of 217 patients with ILC who underwent axillary US were reviewed. FNA biopsy was performed when US findings were suspicious or indeterminate. Findings were compared to literature reports of US in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) patients. Results: Axillary US was negative in 137 patients (63%) and suspicious or indeterminate in 80 patients (37%). FNA biopsy was positive in 62% (47/76 patients). Preoperative US and FNA biopsy identified 43 of 111 (39%) node-positive patients. Sensitivity of US with FNA biopsy correlated with primary tumor and nodal metastasis size. Similar results were seen in IDC populations. Conclusion: US with FNA biopsy appears to be similarly useful in axillary staging of ILC and IDC patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)450-455
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume194
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2007

Keywords

  • Axillary ultrasound
  • Breast cancer
  • Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma
  • Nodal staging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Utility of ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the axilla in the assessment of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this