Identification of a correlation between the sonographic appearance and molecular subtype of invasive breast cancer: A review of 311 cases

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the ultrasound and clinical features related to the different molecular subtypes of invasive breast cancer.

Methods: Sonographic and clinical data of 311 surgically confirmed breast cancer cases were retrospectively reviewed and compared based on various subtypes.

Results: Luminal A (LA) breast cancers were associated with a low histologic grade, spiculated margins, an echogenic rim and posterior acoustic attenuation. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) subtype was characterized by a high grade, indistinct and spiculated margins, enhanced posterior acoustics, calcifications, and vascularity. Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) were more likely to present with a high tumor grade, circumscribed and microlobulated margins, and the absence of an echogenic rim and calcifications; to be markedly hypoechoic; and to have posterior acoustic enhancement and hypovascularity. Luminal B (LB) cancers were more likely to be associated with an indistinct margin and relative vascularity.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the sonographic and clinical features of breast cancer were significantly correlated with the molecular subtype. The imaging findings of the different subtypes and their biological implications may provide additional auxiliary information for clinical diagnosis, systemic treatment and prognosis prediction.

Keywords: BI-RADS; Breast cancer; Molecular subtype; Sonographic features; Ultrasound.