Direct measurement of sound velocity in various specimens of breast tissue

• Published in: Investigative radiology Vol. 35; no. 12; p. 721
• Main Authors: Weiwad, W, Heinig, A, Goetz, L, Hartmann, H, Lampe, D, Buchmann, J, Millner, R, Spielmann, R P, Heywang-Koebrunner, S H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.2000
• Subjects: Breast Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Breast Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Female; Humans; Ultrasonography, Mammary
• ISSN: 0020-9996; 1536-0210
• DOI: 10.1097/00004424-200012000-00005

Previous studies using ultrasound CT or clinical amplitude/velocity reconstruction imaging ultrasound may indicate that cancers differ from normal breast tissue by increased sound velocity. However, only limited experience with direct measurements of sound velocity exists. This study aimed to investigate sound velocity measured directly in a variety of breast specimens. Sound velocity was measured directly by forceps in fresh breast specimens chosen to contain one type of tissue only. Eighty specimens (31 cancers, 18 benign changes of glandular/fibrous tissue, 22 fatty tissues, 5 fibroadenomas, 2 compound tissues, 1 phylloides tumor, and 1 inflammation) were analyzed. Ultrasound velocities in carcinoma, benign changes, fibroadenoma, inflammation, and the phylloides tumor were very similar, with almost complete overlap. In contrary, the ultrasound velocity of fatty tissue was significantly lower. Compound tissues containing fat had an intermediate sound velocity. Sound velocity may add complementary information to echogenicity (B-scan). Because fat lobules exhibit low ultrasound velocity and carcinomas do not, a locally exact combination of ultrasound velocity information and reflexivity information should allow improved breast cancer detection by ultrasound.