Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in differential diagnosis of breast phyllodes tumor and fibroadenoma

Objective To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of breast phyllodes tumor and fibroadenoma. Methods A retrospective analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings was performed on patients who were pathologically diagnosed with phyllodes tumor (23 cases) or fibroadenoma (57 cases). The differences between breast phyllodes tumors and fibroadenoma in contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings and pathological microvessel density were analyzed by the Chi-square test or t-test. Results There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in boundary, but there were statistically significant differences in the sequence, degree, and evenness of contrast enhancement between breast phyllodes tumor and fibroadenoma (χ2=22.960, 24.419, 4.901, all P<0.05). The contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings of breast phyllodes tumor were characterized by a clear boundary and peripheral heterogeneous low enhancement. The contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings of fibroadenoma were characterized by a clear boundary and central homogeneous high enhancement. Conclusion Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has appreciated value in the differential diagnosis of breast phyllodes tumor and fibroadenoma, and can provide a reference for the selection of surgical methods. Key words: Ultrasonography; Contrast agent; Breast; Phyllodes tumor; Fibroadenoma