Digital breast tomosynthesis technique (DBT) versus full field digital mammography (FFDM) for the diagnosis of breast mass-like lesions

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of breast mass-like lesions by digital breast tomosynthesis technique (DBT) versus full field digital mammography (FFDM). Methods 182 breast mass cases undergoing respectively DBT and FFDM diagnosis were reviewed to evaluate the the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, breast BI-RADS classification and differences of edge character. Results Of the 182 cases, 101 cases were malignant, 81 cases were benign. DBT and FFDM in malignant mass detection rate were 95.0% and 95.0% respectively, the benign tumor detection rate were 80.2% and 80.2% respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity was 93.1% (94/101) and 82.2% (83/101), specificity was 66.7% (54/81) and 53.1% (43/81), accuracy was 81.3% (148/182) and 69.2% (126/182), all the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The BI-RADS classification difference of the malignant mass was statistically significant (χ2=12.912, P=0.044 5), and the benign mass was also statistically significant (χ2=12.739, P=0.026 0). The clear edge benign tumors detected by DBT and FFDM respectively were 65 and 45 cases (χ2=10.224, P=0.001 4). The spicule sign detected by DBT and FFDM respectively in malignant tumors were 71 and 50 cases (χ2=8.244, P=0.004 1). Conclusion DBT compared to traditional FFDM photography improves the lesion visibility, increases the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, conducing to the identification of benign and malignant lesions. Key words: Breast neoplasms; Mammography; Digital breast tomosynthesis technique