The early detection of breast cancer by mammography

Abstract

The results of 435 mammograms of women suspected of having a lump in the breast or a suspicious mass performed at the Department of Radiology, Siriraj Hospital, between 1969 and 1970, were analyzed as follows: A. Mammography coded as 'negative' 126 cases. B. Mammography coded as 'benign' 179 cases. C. Mammography coded as 'malignant' 130 cases. Group A. Coded as 'negative' - of 126 cases a definite mass was palpable in 36 cases; 16 were biopsied, and all the lesions found were benign. The error in diagnosis was 28%. Group B. Coded as 'benign' - there were 100 histologically proved cases; 5 turned out to be carcinomatous. The accuracy in roentgen diagnosis was 94.7%. Group C. Coded as 'malignant' - operations were performed in 95 cases; 17 cases were found to be benign. The accuracy in roentgen diagnosis was 81.2%.