Our Summary

This research paper explores whether a particular imaging technique called shear-wave elastography (SWE) can improve the accuracy of diagnosing breast cancer and identifying its specific type. The study involved 58 patients who were due to have a routine biopsy (tissue sample) taken from breast lumps larger than 1 cm.

The patients were divided into two groups. In one group, the biopsy was taken as normal without using SWE. In the other group, SWE was used to identify the firm and less firm areas of the breast lump, and a biopsy was taken from each of these areas.

The results showed that using SWE before a biopsy improved the ability to correctly identify whether a lump was cancerous or not, and to correctly determine the type of cancer present. For example, the accuracy of diagnosing cancer was 100% when SWE was used, compared to 89.5% without SWE. Similarly, the correct identification of the specific type of cancer was also 100% accurate with SWE, compared to 71.4% without.

In conclusion, the study suggests that using SWE during biopsies could improve the detection and classification of breast cancer.

FAQs

  1. What is shear-wave elastography (SWE) and how is it used in diagnosing breast cancer?
  2. What were the results of the study comparing the use of SWE to normal biopsy procedures?
  3. How does the use of SWE improve the detection and classification of breast cancer according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to ask about the possibility of using shear-wave elastography (SWE) during the procedure. SWE can improve the accuracy of diagnosing breast cancer and identifying its specific type, which can ultimately lead to better treatment and outcomes. It’s important to discuss all available options with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible care.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a breast biopsy include those with:

  1. Suspicious findings on mammograms or other imaging tests
  2. Breast lumps or masses that can be felt during a physical exam
  3. Changes in the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or puckering
  4. Nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody
  5. Changes in the size or shape of the breast
  6. Family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition to the disease
  7. Personal history of breast cancer or other breast conditions
  8. High breast density, which can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities on mammograms

Overall, patients who have any concerning symptoms or risk factors for breast cancer may be recommended for a biopsy to further evaluate their condition. Using advanced imaging techniques like shear-wave elastography can potentially enhance the accuracy of diagnosing and classifying breast cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes for patients.

Timeline

Before the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient notices a lump or abnormality in their breast during self-examination or a routine screening mammogram.
  2. Patient consults with their healthcare provider who recommends further evaluation through imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI.
  3. Imaging tests suggest the need for a biopsy to determine if the lump is cancerous.
  4. Patient discusses the risks and benefits of the biopsy procedure with their healthcare provider and gives consent for the procedure.

During and after the breast biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes the biopsy procedure, which involves numbing the area, inserting a needle or making a small incision to extract tissue samples.
  2. After the biopsy, the tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab for analysis to determine if cancer cells are present.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site, which usually resolves within a few days.
  4. Patient receives the biopsy results from their healthcare provider, which may include a diagnosis of cancer or a benign condition.
  5. Depending on the biopsy results, patient may undergo further tests or treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.
  6. Patient receives follow-up care and monitoring to track their recovery and response to treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast biopsy include:

  1. What is the purpose of the biopsy and what information are you hoping to gain from it?
  2. Are there any risks or potential complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during and after the procedure?
  4. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy and how will they be communicated to me?
  5. Will the biopsy be painful and what pain management options are available?
  6. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before or after the biopsy?
  7. How accurate are the biopsy results in determining whether the lump is cancerous or not?
  8. What are the next steps if the biopsy results indicate that the lump is cancerous?
  9. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or imaging techniques, such as shear-wave elastography, that may be beneficial in my case?
  10. What are the potential treatment options if the biopsy results confirm the presence of breast cancer?

Reference

Authors: Peker A, Balci P, Basara Akin I, Özgül HA, Aksoy SÖ, Gürel D. Journal: J Ultrasound Med. 2021 Jun;40(6):1183-1192. doi: 10.1002/jum.15499. Epub 2020 Sep 12. PMID: 32918306