Utility of subcategorization of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance category in ultrasound-guided thyroid fine-needle aspiration in a large referral cancer center.

INTRODUCTION: Subclassification of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) is encouraged in the Bethesda System. In our practice, we subclassified AUS/FLUS into 3 subcategories: atypical follicular cells of undetermined significance (ACUS) for cases with cytologic atypia; follicular lesion (FL) for cellular cases with follicular cells with-minimal or no atypia, arranged in a macro- and micro-follicular pattern with scant colloid; and indeterminate follicular lesion, favor benign (IFL-FB) for cases with few clusters of follicular cells without atypia associated with minimal or no colloid. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence, clinical management, and risk of malignancy for each subcategory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) of thyroid cases that were subcategorized as ACUS, IFL-FB, and FL at our-institution during 2014-2016. The results of US-FNA were correlated with clinical outcome in the subsequent 2 years including repeat US-FNA, thyroid surgery, and clinical/imaging follow-up. RESULTS: Of 3207 thyroid US-FNA cases, 718 (22.4%) cases were included in the study. Of these 718 cases, 104 (14.5%) were subcategorized as ACUS, 166 (23.1%) as FL, and 448 (62.4%) as IFL-FB. The surgery rate was 39.4% (41 of 104) for ACUS, 13.6% (61 of 448) for IFL-FB, and 27.1% (45 of 166) for FL. The risk of malignancy (ROM) was 25% (26 of 104) for ACUS, and 2.9% (13 of 448) for IFL-FB, 6.0% (10 of 166) for FL. The surgery rate and ROM was significantly higher for ACUS in comparison to IFL-FB (P < 0.05) and FL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Subclassification of AUS/FLUS into 3 groups based on cytopathologic findings alone not only improved the triage of patients for subsequent clinical management but also effectively stratified the risk of malignancy.

Long-Term Outcomes of Lateral Neck Dissection in Patients with Recurrent or Persistent Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) has a high predilection for regional metastatic spread. Rates for WDTC lateral neck recurrence are reported to be as high as 24% in patients after initial thyroidectomy, lateral neck surgery, and adjuvant radioactive (RAI) iodine treatment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcome of comprehensive lateral neck dissection (LND) of levels II-V for recurrent or persistent WDTC in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the standardized approach of LND for recurrent WDTC in the lateral neck compartment. Survival was analyzed by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred and seven patients underwent 429 LND for cytopathology-confirmed lateral neck recurrent WDTC at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1994 and 2012. The vast majority (90%) of patients were originally treated elsewhere. Multilevel lateral neck dissection had been originally performed in 80% of patients, with 17% having undergone at least two previous operations. Two hundred and sixty-seven (87%) patients had previous RAI. The most common levels of recurrence were levels III and IV (33% and 33%, respectively). Postoperative complications were seen in 7% of patients. Median follow-up was 7.2 years. In-field lateral neck control was 96% at 10 years. Overall lateral neck regional control, overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) at 10 years was 88%, 78%, and 91%, respectively. When stratifying by age (<24 years, 24-50 years, and >50 years), OS and DSS was significantly better in patients <50 years (OS: p < 0.001; DSS: p < 0.001). However, there was worse overall lateral neck control in the younger group (<24 years; p = 0.04). Regional recurrence after salvage LND occurred within a median time interval of 20.0 months (2.9-121.3 months), of which 2% (8/429) developed in-field lateral neck recurrences. Of those with any lateral neck recurrence after salvage LND, 24/30 (80%) patients successfully underwent another LND, resulting in an ultimate 98% lateral neck regional control rate. CONCLUSIONS: Expert comprehensive LND of levels II-V is associated with few perioperative complications and results in very high in-field regional control rate and ultimate lateral neck control in recurrent/persistent WDTC.

Use of transoral sonography with an endocavitary transducer in diagnosis, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and intraoperative localization of retropharyngeal masses.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the use of transoral sonography in the diagnosis, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, and intraoperative localization of retropharyngeal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed images and data for eight patients with a retropharyngeal mass identified on CT, MRI, or PET/CT as being suspicious for a metastatic Rouviere node. Transoral ultrasound was performed using a commercially available endorectal or endovaginal transducer. Transoral ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy was performed using a needle guide attached to the transducer shaft. Color and power Doppler imaging were used to identify the internal carotid artery and jugular vein and to plan the safest path to the targeted mass. The mass was intraoperatively localized by marking the mucosa with a permanent marker or by injecting methylene blue. RESULTS: There were six patients with a history of thyroid cancer (five papillary cancers and one medullary cancer), one patient with a history of esthesioneuroblastoma, and one patient with no history of cancer. Transoral ultrasound imaging was successful in all eight patients. Transoral ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy was performed in four patients, and a satisfactory cytologic diagnosis was obtained in all cases, although in one of those four cases, an additional core biopsy with an 18-gauge needle was performed to completely rule out lymphoma. Six patients underwent a transoral resection of the lesion. In three of them, the lesion was localized intraoperatively by making a mark on the mucosa and in one case by adding transoral ultrasound-guided injection of methylene blue. CONCLUSION: Transoral ultrasound can be used to visualize, sample, and localize abnormal masses in the retropharyngeal space, such as metastatic Rouviere nodes in patients with a history of head and neck cancer.

Modern approach to surgical intervention of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Operative intervention on the parathyroid and thyroid glands has become more minimally invasive and selective over the past decade. This requires high-quality preoperative imaging evaluation for better knowledge of the relevant anatomical considerations and potential localization. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy has become the operation of choice for most patients presenting with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (when the suspected parathyroid tumor is localized preoperatively). Preoperative imaging helps guide the surgeon as to which patients with thyroid pathology require intervention and the extent of resection. The imaging modalities reviewed include ultrasonography, technetium-99m sestamibi imaging, and four-dimensional computed tomography. Imaging modalities are discussed within the categories of benign and neoplastic parathyroid and thyroid pathology.

Long-term outcome of comprehensive central compartment dissection in patients with recurrent/persistent papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Persistent or recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) occurs in some patients after initial thyroid surgery and often, radioactive iodine treatment. Here, we identify the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcome of our current surgical management paradigm for persistent/recurrent PTC in the central compartment in an interdisciplinary thyroid cancer clinical and research program at a tertiary thyroid cancer referral center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our standardized approach of comprehensive bilateral level VI/VII lymph node dissection (SND [VI, VII]) for cytologically confirmed PTC in the central compartment. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2004, 210 patients, median age 42 (range 12-82) underwent SND (VI, VII). Most patients (106, 51%) had already undergone ≥2 surgical procedures for persistent or recurrent disease, and 31 (15%) had distant metastases at presentation. Postoperatively, 104 (71%) of the 146 patients who were thyroglobulin (Tg) positive had no evidence of disease. Anti-Tg antibodies were present in 38 patients (18%), 17 of whom (53%) did not have anti-Tg antibodies postoperatively. Fourteen patients (7%) were hypoparathyroid at presentation, and 2 more (1%) became permanently hypoparathyroid after surgery. Four patients (2%) experienced recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) of a previously functioning nerve. Unanticipated RLNP was observed in only one nerve at risk. External beam radiation was given to 33 patients (17%). An additional 17 patients (8%) developed distant metastases during follow-up. At the last follow-up, 130 (66%) of the 196 patients had no detectable Tg; of these, 99 (76%) had no further evidence of disease. A median of 7.25 years after surgery, 167 (90%) of the 185 patients were without evidence of central disease, and 18 (10%) had developed central compartment recurrences within a median interval of 24.3 months. Of those with recurrence, 16 out of 18 patients (89%) underwent a subsequent surgical procedure, thus resulting in an overall 98% central compartment control rate. Kaplan-Meier disease-specific survival at 10 years was 98.9% for patients <45 years old and 77.9% for those ≥45 years old (log-rank p<0.00001). The only predictor of central compartment recurrence was malignancy in a thyroid remnant noted within the central compartment surgical specimen. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral comprehensive level VI/VII dissections are safe and effective for long-term control of recurrent/persistent PTC in the central lymphatic compartment.

Technical refinement of ultrasound-guided transoral resection of parapharyngeal/retropharyngeal thyroid carcinoma metastases.

BACKGROUND: The transoral approach to the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal space (PPS/RPS) for the management of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) has been previously described in other articles. However, limited exposure with this approach can be a challenge. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 6 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided transoral excision of PPS/RPS WDTC metastases from October 2003 to March 2009 in a cancer center setting. Ultrasound-guided methylene blue dye injection of the node was used in 3 patients to facilitate intraoperative identification. The technique, safety, and feasibility of the procedure are described in this study. RESULTS: Successful resection of the metastases was accomplished in all cases without intraoperative complication. The 1 definite recurrence was further treated with transmandibular excision. CONCLUSION: Transoral excision of PPS/RPS WDTC metastases with ultrasound-guided methylene blue dye injection into the metastatic node is safe, feasible, and may further improve intraoperative identification of metastases in poorly accessible locations in the head and neck.

Routine pre-operative ultrasonography for papillary thyroid cancer: effects on cervical recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative ultrasonography (US) is now part of published treatment guidelines for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), despite the lack of long-term data on its potential value in preventing neck recurrence. We report the follow-up of patients with PTC in whom pre-operative US was used to accurately stage the extent of neck disease. METHODS: Patients with PTC who underwent pre-operative US and surgery were evaluated by indication for surgery (primary surgery, surgery for persistent PTC, and surgery for recurrent PTC). Patients who underwent their primary surgery at our institution were further evaluated by time period in which their pre-operative US was performed. Primary outcome studied was cervical recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 275 patients underwent pre-operative US; median follow-up was 41 months. Neck recurrence occurred in 6% of primary surgery patients, 5% of persistent-disease patients, and 23% of recurrent-disease patients (P < .001). By multivariate analysis, the era in which US was performed appeared to be an independent predictor of disease-free survival, with less cervical recurrences in the recent eras during which there was more US specialization. CONCLUSION: Once a patient with PTC experiences neck recurrence, they are at an increased risk for subsequent neck recurrence. Pre-operative US followed by compartment-oriented surgery may decrease recurrence rates in patients if performed before their primary operation.

Approach and safety of comprehensive central compartment dissection in patients with recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Despite the generally favorable prognosis of patients with papillary thyroid cancers, 10-year recurrence rates for patients with stage I to III disease is greater than 20%, with central compartment recurrences common among these recurrent sites. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated by a single surgeon over an 18-month period of time terminating in 2003. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients underwent a comprehensive dissection of levels VI and VII for papillary thyroid carcinoma during this period. There was a female predominance of 2:1, with 48% of patients being greater than 45 years of age. The median number of lymph nodes identified was 16 (range, 3-52), with 7 (1-20) lymph nodes pathologically involved. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was present on presentation in 13% of patients and developed in an additional 5% following surgery. Although recurrent laryngeal paralysis was present on presentation among 8 (13%) of patients, no patients experienced paralysis of documented functioning recurrent laryngeal nerves or necessitated tracheotomy. Postoperative thyroglobulin levels were reduced to nondetectable in 71% of the informative cases. Over 60% of patients were discharged on their first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Bilateral paratracheal and superior mediastinal dissection is an oncologically safe procedure exhibiting minimal morbidity when performed among experienced individuals despite multiple prior surgical procedures or existing vocal cord paralysis.

A novel nomenclature to classify parathyroid adenomas.

BACKGROUND: A uniform and reliable description of the exact locations of adenomatous parathyroid glands is necessary for accurate communications between surgeons and other specialists. We developed a nomenclature that provides a precise means of communicating the most frequently encountered parathyroid adenoma locations. METHODS: This classification scheme is based on the anatomic detail provided by imaging and can be used in radiology reports, operative records, and pathology reports. It is based on quadrants and anterior-posterior depth relative to the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the thyroid parenchyma. The system uses the letters A-G to describe exact gland locations. RESULTS: A type A parathyroid gland is a gland that originates from a superior pedicle, lateral to the recurrent laryngeal nerve compressed within the capsule of the thyroid parenchyma. A type B gland is a superior gland that has fallen posteriorly into the tracheoesophageal groove and is in the same cross-sectional plane as the superior portion of the thyroid parenchyma. A type C gland is a gland that has fallen posteriorly into the tracheoesophageal groove and on a cross-sectional view lies at the level of or below the inferior pole of the thyroid gland. A type D gland lies in the midregion of the posterior surface of the thyroid parenchyma, near the junction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery or middle thyroidal vein; because of this location, dissection is difficult. A type E gland is an inferior gland close to the inferior pole of the thyroid parenchyma, lying in the lateral plane with the thyroid parenchyma and anterior half of the trachea. A type F gland is an inferior gland that has descended (fallen) into the thyrothymic ligament or superior thymus; it may appear to be "ectopic" or within the superior mediastinum. An anterior-posterior view shows the type F gland to be anterior to the trachea. A type G gland is a rare, truly intrathyroidal parathyroid gland. CONCLUSIONS: A reproducible nomenclature can provide a means of consistent communication about parathyroid adenoma location. If uniformly adopted, it has the potential to reliably communicate exact gland location without lengthy descriptions. This system may be beneficial for surgical planning as well as operative and pathology reporting.

Cortical morphologic features of axillary lymph nodes as a predictor of metastasis in breast cancer: in vitro sonographic study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was in vitro sonographic-pathologic correlation of findings in dissected axillary lymph nodes from breast cancer patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection and classification of the sonographic appearance of the nodes on the basis of cortical morphologic features to facilitate early recognition of metastatic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution sonography was used for in vitro examination of 171 lymph nodes from 19 axillae in 18 patients with unknown nodal status who underwent axillary lymph node dissection for early infiltrating breast cancer. The images were evaluated by two blinded observers, and discordant readings were referred to a third blinded observer. Each lymph node was classified as one of types 1-6 according to cortical morphologic features. Types 1-4 were considered benign, ranging from hyperechoic with no visible cortex to thickened generalized hypoechoic cortical lobulation. Type 5 (focal hypoechoic cortical lobulation) and type 6 (hypoechoic node with absent hilum) nodes were considered metastatic. The reference standard for metastatic disease was histopathologic evaluation of sectioned nodes by a single pathologist blinded to sonographic findings. Largest nodal diameter also was measured. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was 77% for classification of nodal morphology (types 1-6) and 88% for characterization of a node as benign or malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy of cortical shape in prediction of metastatic involvement of axillary nodes were 77%, 80%, 36%, 96%, and 80%. Type 4 nodes had the most false-negative findings (four of 36). Node size ranged from 0.2 to 3.8 cm, and subcentimeter nodes of all types were detected. CONCLUSION: In breast cancer, axillary lymph nodes can be classified according to cortical morphologic features. Predominantly hyperechoic nodes (types 1-3) can be considered benign. Generalized cortical lobulation (type 4) is uncommonly a false-negative finding, but metastasis, if present, is invariably detected at sentinel node mapping. The presence of asymmetric focal hypoechoic cortical lobulation (type 5) or a completely hypoechoic node (type 6) should serve as a guideline for universal performance of fine-needle aspiration for preoperative staging of breast cancer. This classification, when verified with larger samples, may serve as a useful clinical guideline if proven with results of in vivo studies.

Parathyroid exploration in the reoperative neck: improved preoperative localization with 4D-computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Reoperation for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) carries an increased risk for morbidity and failure to cure. Accurate preoperative localization minimizes operative risk but is often difficult to achieve in the reoperative setting. Four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) is an emerging technique that uses functional parathyroid anatomy for precise preoperative localization. We evaluated 4D-CT as a tool for localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in the reoperative setting. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective endocrine database was queried to identify 45 patients who underwent reoperative parathyroidectomy after preoperative localization using 4D-CT. The patients were categorized into 1 of 3 groups: group 1 included those who had previous neck surgery for non-HPT conditions; group 2 included those who had undergone a previously unsuccessful neck exploration for HPT; and group 3 included patients with HPT who had a previous neck exploration with resection of at least 1 hypercellular parathyroid. RESULTS: The sensitivity of 4D-CT for localization was 88% compared with 54% for sestamibi imaging. Four-dimensional CT more often correctly localized (p=0.0003) and lateralized (p=0.005) hyperfunctional parathyroid tissue than sestamibi did. Four-dimensional CT successfully localized hyperfunctional parathyroid tissue in 18 (82%) of 22 group 1 patients, 10 (91%) of 11 group 2 patients, and 8 (67%) of 12 group 3 patients. Three patients were lost to followup. At a mean followup of 9.8 months, 39 (93%) of 42 patients were surgically cured and 3 patients (7%; 2 in group 3) had persistent HPT. CONCLUSIONS: Four-dimensional-CT is an ideal tool for preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in the reoperative setting. Localization and successful reoperation are most difficult in patients who have undergone an earlier operation that included resection of at least one hypercellular parathyroid suggesting multigland disease.

Followup of patients with papillary thyroid cancer: in search of the optimal algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Cervical recurrence occurs in up to 30% of patients after surgical treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. This study sought to determine an appropriate algorithm for followup evaluation. STUDY DESIGN: Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer were identified. Clinicopathologic data were recorded, as were the results of all followup evaluations including radioiodine scan, cervical ultrasonography, and serum thyroglobulin levels. The disease recurrence-free survival probability was estimated, and risk factors for recurrence were determined. RESULTS: Thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection was performed in 162 patients. We excluded 36 patients (followup less than 6 months in 26, extracervical disease at diagnosis in 4, unknown tumor size in 6) from the analysis. Of the remaining 126 patients, 109 (86.5%) had no evidence of disease, with serum thyroglobulin < 1 ng/mL at last followup; 4 (3.2%) had no evidence of disease (negative imaging), with serum thyroglobulin > 1 ng/mL, and 13 (10.3%) had recurrent disease. Cervical recurrence occurred in nine patients, all detected by routine ultrasonography. Pulmonary metastases occurred in four patients; three were diagnosed by chest CT and one by radioiodine scan. Thyroid stimulating hormone-suppressed thyroglobulin levels were available in 11 of the 13 patients and were elevated in 9. Patients with high T stage (extrathyroidal extension), or high N stage had an increased risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: A followup strategy emphasizing routine cervical ultrasonography and unstimulated thyroglobulin is effective in identifying patients with recurrent papillary thyroid cancer, and may minimize the indiscriminate use of therapeutic radioiodine for radiographically occult disease. Surgery remains the optimal treatment of cervical recurrence, which is the dominant pattern of treatment failure.

Improved preoperative planning for directed parathyroidectomy with 4-dimensional computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) provides both functional and highly detailed anatomic information about parathyroid tumors. The purpose of this study was to compare 4D-CT with sestamibi imaging and ultrasonography as methods for the accurate preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands before parathyroidectomy. METHODS: A study of 75 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism was performed at a tertiary-care institution. Sestamibi imaging, ultrasonography, and 4D-CT were performed on each patient preoperatively. Results of the imaging studies were compared with operative findings, pathologic data, and biochemical measurements to assess the sensitivity and specificity of each of the imaging modalities. RESULTS: 4D-CT demonstrated improved sensitivity (88%) over sestamibi imaging (65%) and ultrasonography (57%), when the imaging studies were used to localize (lateralize) hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands to 1 side of the neck. Moreover, when used to localize parathyroid tumors to the correct quadrant of the neck (ie, right inferior, right superior, left inferior, or left superior), the sensitivity of 4D-CT (70%) was significantly higher than sestamibi imaging (33%) and ultrasonography (29%). CONCLUSION: 4D-CT provides significantly greater sensitivity than sestamibi imaging and ultrasonography for precise (quadrant) localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands. This allows improved preoperative planning, particularly for the case of reoperation. In addition to the data that are provided, we present a novel classification scheme for use in parathyroid localization.

Small (< or = 2-cm) breast cancer treated with US-guided radiofrequency ablation: feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility and safety of ultrasonographically (US) guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation in the local treatment of invasive breast carcinomas 2 cm or less in greatest diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RF ablation of 21 malignant lesions was performed in 20 patients immediately before their scheduled lumpectomy or mastectomy. A 15-gauge needle electrode was placed in the lesions, and the prongs of the needle electrode were deployed with real-time US guidance. A temperature of approximately 95 degrees C was maintained for 15 minutes at the tips of the prongs. Histopathologic examination of the resected specimens included use of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in its reduced form-diaphorase stain, which is specifically used to confirm thermal cell injury and lack of viability. The desired outcome of the procedure was ablation of the tumor and of an adequate margin around it, as confirmed by the absence of viable tissue in the surgical specimen. RESULTS: In all 21 cases, complete ablation of the target lesion was visualized at US. In one patient, who had undergone preoperative chemotherapy for a mass that was initially judged to be a T2 tumor but who was found to have a small residual tumor at mammography and US performed at the time of ablation, the target lesion was ablated but residual in situ mammographically and US occult invasive carcinoma was found at histopathologic examination. There were no adverse effects. CONCLUSION: US-guided percutaneous ablation of small invasive breast carcinomas is feasible and safe.

Recurrence in autogenous myocutaneous flap reconstruction after mastectomy for primary breast cancer: US diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of ultrasonography (US) and US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the detection and diagnosis of recurrent cancer in breasts reconstructed with autogenous myocutaneous flaps after mastectomy for primary breast cancer and to describe the US appearances of recurrence in the reconstructed breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1994 and March 2001, US of the reconstructed breast was performed in 20 women with autogenous myocutaneous flap reconstruction. US findings were correlated with clinical and mammographic findings. US-guided FNAB of 25 (64%) of the 39 recurrent cancers depicted at US was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-one (54%) of the 39 recurrent cancers depicted at US were clinically occult. Mammography performed in 12 of the 20 patients with reconstructed breasts depicted 14 (56%) of the 25 recurrent cancers that were detected at US in these patients. US-guided FNAB helped to establish a definitive diagnosis of recurrent breast carcinoma in 24 (96%) of the 25 tumor specimens sampled. CONCLUSION: US and US-guided FNAB are valuable for the assessment of both palpable and clinically occult recurrent breast cancers in autogenous myocutaneous flap breast reconstructions.

Interventional breast sonography.

This review article covers the basic applications of and latest developments in interventional breast sonography (US). For breast masses, US has become the standard for guiding needle biopsy, whether a fine needle or a core biopsy needle is used. US has also become the preferred method for guiding insertion of various localization devices for nonpalpable masses, and US's intraoperative use for this purpose is expanding. Recently, US has been used to monitor the placement of percutaneous ablation devices, such as radiofrequency ablation needle-electrodes, into breast masses, including carcinomas. US is not indicated for the routine evaluation of microcalcifications. However, on occasion, clusters of microcalcifications without a mass can be visualized on sonograms with sufficient clarity to undertake a US-guided core biopsy if stereotactically guided biopsy cannot be performed for technical reasons.

Radiofrequency ablation of early-stage invasive breast tumors: an overview.

As the management of breast cancer evolves toward less invasive treatments, the next step is the possibility of removing the primary tumor without surgery. The most promising of the noninvasive ablation techniques is radiofrequency ablation, which uses frictional heating that is caused when ions in the tissue attempt to follow the changing directions of a high-frequency alternating current. Three pilot studies, including an ongoing study at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, have demonstrated that radiofrequency ablation is effective for the destruction of small primary breast cancers. The most important factorfor successful radiofrequency ablation is accuracy of the ultrasound evaluation, which is used to estimate tumor size, localize the tumor for treatment, and monitor the progress of the ablation. A study in preparation at M.D. Anderson will determine whether the use of radiofrequency ablation alone for the local treatment of primary breast cancer will result in outcomes equivalent to those obtained with breast conservation therapy.