[Imaging methods in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of breast cancer]

Abstract

The diagnosis of breast cancer is primarily based on X-ray mammography. Under optimal conditions, a sensitivity of approximately 90% can be achieved. When strict criteria of indication are observed for the additional use of ultrasound or contrast-enhanced MRI, the sensitivity can be increased to about 98%. In addition, the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions can be improved and the rate of biopsies due to false-positive mammograms can be reduced. However, further investigation with ultrasound or MRI of dense or mastopathic breasts that are clinically asymptomatic is not indicated, since it reduces specificity without significant gain of sensitivity.