Objective:

To investigate the ultrasonographic features of invasive breast carcinoma with apocrine differentiation (BCAD).

Methods:

A total of 14 lesions of BCAD confirmed by pathological examination were selected to analyze the clinical and ultrasonographic features

and the sonographic characteristics were summarized.

Results:

Eight pure apocrine carcinomas (PACs) and six mixed apocrine carcinomas (MACs) were included in the 14 cases

and 71.4% cases occurred at outer upper quadr

ant and 60.0% on the left breast. Ultrasound examination showed that 64.3% lesions were solid hypoechoic and 35.7% showed complex echo

and 50.0% PACs were complex echo while 83.3% MACs showed solid hypoechoic. Most of PACs and MACs showed irregular shape (75.0% and 83.3%

respectively)

angular protrusion of edge (62.5% and 83.3%

respectively)

accompanied by calcification (75.0% and 50.0%

respectively)

and blood Adler Ⅱ-Ⅲ grade (87.5% and 66.7%

respectively). According to pathology results

the ultrasonic coincidence rate of BCAD was 78.6%.

Conclusion:

The sonographic findings and position of BCAD are certain particularity. Since sonography characteristic of BCAD is not obvious

the definitive diagnosis still requires pathological biopsy.