A Study on Modified Triple Test for Palpable Breast Mass.
10.4048/jkbcs.2001.4.1.37
- Author:
Jin Kwon KIM
1
;
Young Jin SONG
;
Sung Il CHO
;
Hyo Young YUN
;
Hee Suk YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Breast mass;
Physical examination;
Ultrasonography;
Cytology;
Modified triple test
- MeSH:
Biopsy;
Biopsy, Fine-Needle;
Biopsy, Needle;
Breast Neoplasms;
Breast*;
Chungcheongbuk-do;
Diagnosis;
Female;
Humans;
Mammography;
Needles;
Outpatients;
Physical Examination;
Sensitivity and Specificity;
Ultrasonography;
Ultrasonography, Mammary
- From:Journal of Korean Breast Cancer Society
2001;4(1):37-42
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The "triple test" (TT) which consists of a physical examination (PE), mammography (MMG), and fine needle aspiration (FNA) has been used for diagnosing a palpable breast mass. However, the TT is not always accurate when it is applied to young women. This is because a dense breast hampers the sensitivity of a mammograph. Here, we introduce breast ultrasonography (USG) in place of a MMG (Modified TT; MTT) to determine whether this method can facilitate a correct diagnosis of a breast mass. METHODS: A MTT was performed in 142 palpable solid breast masses from 126 female patients between August 1998 and July 2000 at the out-patient breast clinic, Chungbuk National University Hospital. The breast masses were listed as benign or suspicious/malignant. All patients underwent a subsequent needle biopsy or surgical biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: 78 out of 142 palpable breast masses (54.5%) were benign, while 64 (45.5%) were diagnosed as having breast cancer. In all 105 cases (73.9%) where the MTT was concordant (elements had either all malignant or benign results), a needle or surgical biopsy was confirmatory (predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity 100%). In 37 cases of the non-concordant results, 16 (44.7%) were proven as malignant. The positive predictive value for PE, USG, and FNA was 80.6%, 87.1%, and 100% respectively. The negative predictive value for PE, USG, and FNA was 91.4%, 95.8%, and 91.8% respectively. The sensitivity for PE, USG, and FNA was 90.6%, 95.3%, and 89.1% respectively. The specificity for PE, USG, and FNA was 82.1%, 88.5%, and 100% respectively. CONCLUSION:The modified triple test was 100% accurate for diagnosing a palpable breast mass when all three elements were concordant. A palpable breast mass with a concordant benign modified triple test could be safely followed up without a surgical biopsy, and a final treatment could be applied to patients who have had a concordant malignant modified triple test.
