[Present-day diagnostic techniques in breast nodes].

AIM: A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of preoperative diagnostic techniques in breast nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 110 females with breast cancer and 306 females with benign tumors of the breast were examined (mammography, ultrasound, aspiration biopsy). A new technique of ultrasound histography of the tumor which enhances diagnostic specificity of echography is introduced. RESULTS: Diagnostic sensitivity averaged 82.8 +/- 3.9, 88.3 +/- 3.2, 69.3 +/- 4.5% for mammography, ultrasonic visualization and aspiration biopsy, respectively. Informative value of mammography and aspiration biopsy decreased in females of reproductive age, especially in preexisting hyperplastic processes in the breast. CONCLUSION: With greater size of the tumor in the breast ultrasound becomes more sensitive but less specific. The additional histography of the tumor in such cases is useful.