<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Background. Lymphoedema of the operated and irradiated breast is a common complication following early breast cancer treatment. There is no consensus on objective diagnostic criteria and standard measurement tools. This study investigates the use of ultrasound elastography as an objective quantitative measurement tool for the diagnosis of parenchymal breast oedema.Patients and methods. The elasticity ratio of the subcutis, measured with ultrasound elastography, was compared with high-frequency ultrasound parameters and subjective symptoms in twenty patients, bilaterally, prior to and following breast conserving surgery and breast irradiation.Results. Elasticity ratio of the subcutis of the operated breast following radiation therapy increased in 88.9% of patients, was significantly higher than prior to surgery, unlike the non operated breast and significantly higher than the non operated breast, unlike preoperative results. These results were significantly correlated with visibility of the echogenic line, measured with high-frequency ultrasound. Big preoperative bra cup size was a significant risk factor for the development of breast oedema.Conclusions. Ultrasound elastography is an objective quantitative measurement tool for the diagnosis of parenchymal breast oedema, in combination with other objective diagnostic criteria. Further research with longer follow-up and more patients is necessary to confirm our findings.</abstract>

Background. Lymphoedema of the operated and irradiated breast is a common complication following early breast cancer treatment. There is no consensus on objective diagnostic criteria and standard measurement tools. This study investigates the use of ultrasound elastography as an objective quantitative measurement tool for the diagnosis of parenchymal breast oedema.Patients and methods. The elasticity ratio of the subcutis, measured with ultrasound elastography, was compared with high-frequency ultrasound parameters and subjective symptoms in twenty patients, bilaterally, prior to and following breast conserving surgery and breast irradiation.Results. Elasticity ratio of the subcutis of the operated breast following radiation therapy increased in 88.9% of patients, was significantly higher than prior to surgery, unlike the non operated breast and significantly higher than the non operated breast, unlike preoperative results. These results were significantly correlated with visibility of the echogenic line, measured with high-frequency ultrasound. Big preoperative bra cup size was a significant risk factor for the development of breast oedema.Conclusions. Ultrasound elastography is an objective quantitative measurement tool for the diagnosis of parenchymal breast oedema, in combination with other objective diagnostic criteria. Further research with longer follow-up and more patients is necessary to confirm our findings.

Ultrasound elastography as an objective diagnostic measurement tool for lymphoedema of the treated breast in breast cancer patients following breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy

Physical Therapy Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium

Physical Therapy Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium

Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

Department of Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

Department of Oncological Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium

Radiology and Oncology

Background. Lymphoedema of the operated and irradiated breast is a common complication following early breast cancer treatment. There is no consensus on...

Ultrasound elastography as an objective diagnostic measurement tool for lymphoedema of the treated breast in breast cancer patients following breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy

Published Online: Nov 09, 2012

Page range: 284 - 295

Received: Jan 01, 2012

Accepted: Apr 14, 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10019-012-0033-z

Keywords
early breast cancer, breast conserving surgery, breast irradiation, lymphoedema of the breast, breast oedema, ultrasound elastography

This content is open access.

Ultrasound elastography as an objective diagnostic measurement tool for lymphoedema of the treated breast in breast cancer patients following breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy

Published Online: Nov 09, 2012

Page range: 284 - 295

Received: Jan 01, 2012

Accepted: Apr 14, 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10019-012-0033-z

Keywordsearly breast cancer, breast conserving surgery, breast irradiation, lymphoedema of the breast, breast oedema, ultrasound elastography

This content is open access.

Keywords
early breast cancer, breast conserving surgery, breast irradiation, lymphoedema of the breast, breast oedema, ultrasound elastography