Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Chai A.; Walajahi F.

Citation:

Breast Cancer Research. Conference: British Society of Breast Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting 2024. Liverpool United Kingdom. 27(Supplement 1) (no pagination), 2025. Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2025.

Abstract:

Background: The cortical thickness of axillary lymph nodes has been linked to nodal metastasis, with smaller measurements associated with lower rates of metastasis. There is currently no international standard used to define a safe threshold for cortical thickness. In this analysis, we compare three proposed safe thresholds of 2.30 mm, 2.50 mm, and 3.00 mm, and observe how axillary node involvement changes between each group. Methods: Retrospective review of all known breast cancer patients who underwent node surgery in October 2023 at our center. Cortical thickness and final nodal status were collected. 91 Patients were divided into 4 groups from their cortical thickness measurements. These groups were < 2.30 mm (n = 65), 2.30-2.49 mm (n = 5), 2.50-3.00 (n = 4), and > 3.00 mm (n = 17). Results 91 patients (57.82} 11.13 years) underwent WLE or ANC. 26 (28.57%) patients were node positive at surgery. When split into their groups,12 (18.46%) patients in the < 2.30 mm group were node positive, 1 (20%) in the 2.30-2.49 mm group, 2 (50%) in the 2.50-3.00 group, and 11 (64.71%) in the > 3.00 mm group. OR = 1.97 (95%CI, 1.21-3.20) was found when using 2.30 mm as the safe threshold, OR = 2.01 (95%CI, 1.16-3.48) at 2.50 mm, and OR = 2.26 (95%CI, 1.18-4.34) at 3.00 mm. Preliminary multiple regressions were run, with thickness as both a continuous and categorical variable. As a continuous variable, cortical thickness produced OR = 2.67 (95%CI, 1.60-4.46) (p = < 0.01). The categorical model further concluded that OR = 10.05 (95%CI, 2.78-36.31) (p = < 0.01) when cortical thickness is > 3.00 mm. Discussion: Further research with more robust regressions and sample size is warranted to continue investigating the value of cortical thickness.

DOI: 10.1186/s13058-025-02023-8

Link to full-text [open access - no password required]

Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Chai A.; Hutchison G.;

Citation:

Breast Cancer Research. Conference: British Society of Breast Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting 2024. Liverpool United Kingdom. 27(Supplement 1) (no pagination), 2025. Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2025.

Abstract:

Background The Targeted Lung Health Check Programme offers low-dose CT scans to populations at higher risk of lung cancer. Like other forms of crosssectional imaging, this can produce incidental findings, resulting in onward referral to specialist services and increased patient anxiety which may be unnecessary. We investigated the frequency of incidental breast lesions found through this programme. Method: A retrospective review of all patients with breast findings detected by LDCT from November 2019 and July 2024. Their referral method for breast assessment, findings on breast imaging, and biopsy results were recorded. Results 52 patients (64.19 5.84 years) had breast lesions reported. Of these, 50 (96%) were female. 39 cases were first discussed with a breast radiologist, 26 (66%) of which were referred for triple assessment. 13 cases did not have initial input from a breast specialist, 10 (77%) of which were referred for assessment. The average number of days between LDCT and breast assessment was 35.89 19.64 days, and the highest score on imaging was 2.79 1.40. 8 patients were biopsied, with 5 having malignant findings. All 5 malignant cases had been discussed with a breast radiologist prior to breast clinic referral. Discussion(s): Lower referral rates were seen when a breast specialist opinion was requested prior to referral. This allowed savings in clinic capacity and reduction in patient anxiety caused by unnecessary referral.

DOI: 10.1186/s13058-025-02023-8

Link to full-text [open access - no password required]