Objectives: In this study, vascular structures of solid breast masses were evaluated via power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) to see its usefulness in benign-malignant differentiation.

Material and Methods: 71 female patients and one male patient between the ages of 12-77 (mean 44.3±13.5) were included to the study. 36 benign (Group 1), 38 malignant (Group 2) totally 74 breast masses were evaluated by PDUS for the presence of flow and if there is flow, properties of vascular structures were evaluated. Study was performed via Toshiba SSA-770A/80 Aplio Doppler device (Tokyo, Japan) by using 7.5 MHz multifrequency linear transducer. Localization, contour characteristics and internal echo structure of the mass were evaluated. After B-mode examination, localization and morphological features of vascular structures with respect to masses were evaluated by Doppler Mode examination. Peripheral, central and penetrating features in respect to localization; linear, branching and distortion properties in respect to morphological features were evaluated.

Results: There was no significant difference in respect to peripheral flow localization and morphologically being linear (p=0.13 v p=0.34). There were significantly differences between the groups in respect to central flow pattern and penetrating flow pattern (p<0.001). The differences were also significantly differences between the groups according to branching and distortion flow pattern (p<0.05).

Conclusion: PDUS is a valuable adjuant to conventional sonography in differentiating between malignant and bening lesions.©2008, Firat University, Medical Faculty.