Tumor size impacts the performance of ultrasound BI-RADS classification in breast cancer patients

Background : This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of tumor size and ultrasound (US) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI - RADS), and further analyze if tumor size can impact the evaluation for US features in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods : In this retrospective study, preoperative US features and postoperative pathological results were collected from 498 patients with breast cancer. The association of BI - RADS classification with tumor size was analyzed, and the US features related to tumor size were determined. Results : A significant association was found between tumor size and BI - RADS category, and tumor with small size was classified into the low BI - RADS category ( p < 0.05). Some US features including shape, growth orientation, microcalcification and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) were influenced by tumor size ( p <0.001). Conclusion : Tumor size can influence the diagnosis performance for US BI - RADS category in patients with breast cancer.