Morphologic features on sonography predict metastasis

Morphologic features of axillary nodes on sonography are reliable indicators in predicting metastasis, according to research published October 24 in Clinical Imaging. A team led by Anubha Wadhwa, MD, from Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, found that greater cortical thickness and the absence of a normal hilum had the highest positive predictive value (PPV) for metastatic disease. “Using clinical history in conjunction with imaging findings will help improve the accuracy of axillary nodal biopsies, especially for incidental nodes detected on screening,” the Wadhwa team wrote. Predicting axillary nodal status is important for staging and treatment planning for breast cancer patients. However, axillary node enlargement can occur with other metastatic cancers like melanoma, renal cell cancer, and lung cancer to name a few. Furthermore, benign unilateral axillary adenopathy can occur when the nodes react to ipsilateral vaccine administration, infection or trauma, tattoo pigment, or nonspecific etiologies. This is where sonography comes into play. Breast imagers have used various sonographics to categorize benign versus malignant lymph nodes. These include size, shape, and morphologic features of the nodes. However, the researchers noted that it is “extremely difficult” to differentiate between malignant and benign lymphadenopathy on imaging, with biopsy often needed to confirm findings. Wadhwa and colleagues sought to assess morphologic features of axillary nodes...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Ultrasound Source Type: news