Evaluation of Breast Disease Using Triple Assessment Test with Ultrasonography as the Fourth Component

Abstract

Breast disease is a significant health concern, with varying clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges. This study aims to assess the accuracy and utility of ultrasonography (USG) as an adjunct component to the Modified Triple Assessment Test (MTT) in the screening and diagnosis of breast diseases. A total of 40 patients with breast complaints, including lumps, nipple discharge, or retraction, were included. The MTT, consisting of clinical examination, mammography, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and histopathological examination (HPE), was performed on all patients under informed consent. USG was added as a fourth component. Data on age distribution, parity, menstrual status, side of breast lump, location of tumors, and histopathological findings were collected and analyzed. In the 30-39 age group, breast lumps were common, with nulliparous women showing more malignant cases. Pre-menopausal women had benign lumps, while peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women had more malignancies. Left-sided lumps prevailed, and the upper outer quadrant was the common location. Clinical examination had high accuracy, as did ultrasonography (USG). This study underscores the importance of personalized breast health approaches, considering age, parity, and menstrual status. The combination of clinical examination, mammography, FNAC, and USG (MTT) provides a reliable diagnostic tool for breast disease, with MTT serving as a valuable modality for breast carcinoma diagnosis and treatment planning.