To investigate the correlation between the features of conventional ultrasound & shear wave elasticity and axillary lymph node involvement in breast cancer.

A total of 169 breast cancers patients were divided into lymph node metastasis group(n=115) and non metastasis group (n=54) according to the postoperative pathological results. Preoperative conventional ultrasonographic features and preoperative shear wave elastography quantitative parameters(E values) of the two groups breast lessons were analyzed by single factor analysis to screen out statistically significant factors, then Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between above factors and lymph node involvement.

Single factor analysis showed the microcalcification and hyperechoic halo detection rates of lymph node metastasis group [81.7%(94/115) and 71.3%(82/115), respectively] were higher than those in non metastasis group [61.1%(33/54) and 50.0% (27/54), respectively]. The elastography maximum value(Emax) of lymph node involvement group was (182.2±74.0)kPa, which was larger than that in non metastasis group′s (153.3±76.9)kPa (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed the microcalcification(OR=2.498, P=0.022), the hyperechoic halo(OR=2.482, P=0.013) and the Emax value(OR=1.007, P=0.007) were risk factors of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

Breast cancer with microcalcification, hyperechoic signs and high Emax value is more likely to develop axillary lymph node metastasis.

Ultrasonography; Breast neoplasms; Shear wave elastography; Lymph node metastasis