Introduction
Inflammatory breast diseases are frequently encountered clinical complaints, and they range from benign to malignant forms, namely inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC). It is crucial to differentiate IBC from other types of mastitis because there are major differences in its prognosis and treatment. Ultrasound (US) is one of the main diagnostic tools for discriminating benign and malignant mastitis. US-guided aspiration and core needle biopsy are the mainstay in diagnosis and management of inflammatory breast diseases.
Materials and methods
The study is a prospective study that included 48 patients referred to the Radiology Department, Women’s Imaging Unit from the ‘Surgical Breast Clinic’, and surgical outpatient’s clinics and wards in the period between January 2016 and July 2016. US examination was performed for all the cases by 8–12 MHz linear array transducer. Full field digital mammography was performed for 33/48 patients. US-guided core biopsies of the breast were performed in indicated cases. Drainage under US guidance and cytological assessment was performed also in certain cases.
Results
In all, 36/48 (75%) cases were finally diagnosed as benign mastitis, and 12/48 (25%) cases were finally diagnosed as malignant. Within the examined group, 40/48 (83.3%) cases underwent short-term first look follow-up US study after a course of antibiotic therapy: seven/40 (17.5%) patients showed complete resolution of the symptoms and the diagnosis of simple infectious mastitis was confirmed, whereas 33/40 (82.5%) patients showed no response to treatment.
Conclusion
US plays a specific role in diagnostic approach and management of inflammatory breast diseases. It is essential to discriminate benign from malignant etiologies as there are major differences in their prognosis and treatment options.