Sensitivity and specificity of bi-rads scoring system in carcinoma of breast

ABSTRACT

To find out the sensitivity and specificity of mammogram according to BI-RADS scoring, in correlation with pathological findings so as to develop protocol for biopsy in patients presenting with clinically palpable breast lump or nipple discharge. Cross sectional study. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Surgical unit 1 [Ward 3] Karachi, from July 2007 to June 2008. Female patients who presented with clinically palpable breast lumps or nipple discharge in general surgical OPD were examined and referred for mammography. Ultrasound examination was also done where considered necessary. The final diagnosis regarding the lump or nipple discharge as shown in the mammography was made and patients sent for biopsy [FNAC/ Trucut/ excision biopsy]. The mammographic diagnosis was compared with the histopathological report. Fifty patients were examined of whom 47 clinically suspected patients had confirmation of diagnosis on biopsy while 3 were found negative. Forty one suspected cases on BI-RADS mammogram were true positive that revealed 87.2% sensitivity of BI-RADS mammogram while 6 cases were false negative. All three cases of negative on biopsy were true negative that revealed hundred percent specificity. In this way positive predictive value was also hundred percent with negative predictive value of 33.3%. Overall diagnostic accuracy of mammogram was 88% when compared with histopathological diagnosis. Mammography can be used as an important diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of breast diseases and where there is doubt, diagnosis should be made by means of triple assessment i.e. clinical examination, mammography, and histopathology