Objective: To assess the high-frequency sonographic characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast.
Methods: In a retrospective review, we identified 18 patients with biopsy-proven pure ductal carcinoma in situ who had received mammographic and high-frequency sonographic examinations at transducer frequencies of 8-15 MHz, 8-5 MHz and 5 to 13 MHz [corrected].
Results: All 18 patients had mammographically identified calcifications. Four (22%) of the 18 had either asymmetric focal mammographically identified densities or masses with the calcifications. These calcifications were identified sonographically in 17 (94%) of the 18 patients. In 9 (50%) of 18 patients, the calcifications were associated with sonographically detected malignant masses, and in 3 (17%) of 18 patients the calcifications were within focally dilated ducts. Lesions that had masses or dilated ducts visible on sonography represented 9 (82%) of 11 of the grade 3 neoplasms and only 2 (28%) of 7 of the grade 1 and 2 tumors. This difference was statistically significant (P < .039).
Conclusions: Our study showed that ductal carcinoma in situ may appear on sonography as calcifications, masses, or focally dilated ducts. Those lesions that were associated with masses or dilated ducts on sonography were more likely high-grade histologic specimens.