Correlation between breast lesions according to Tsukuba scale and anatomical pathology in patients who attended to Radiology service during the period 2023-2024.

Abstract

Elastography is a complementary method to B-mode ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, and mammography, used to classify breast lesions as benign, probably benign, or malignant based on their hardness. This is measured using the Tsukuba scale, a qualitative color scale ranging from Score 1 (soft lesion) to Score 5 (hard lesion). The Tsukuba scale correlates with the BIRADS classification: Scores 1 and 2 align with BIRADS 2 (benign lesions), Score 3 with BIRADS 3 (probably benign), and Scores 4 and 5 with BIRADS 4 and 5 (malignant lesions). Additionally, the BGR sign (blue, green, red) indicates a cystic nature, typically benign.

Malignant lesions are associated with increased hardness, and for lesions with a Score of 3 or higher, a biopsy is recommended. This provides more information about the lesion's nature, reducing unnecessary biopsies.

This study involved 34 patients who visited the Radiology Service at Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad between 2023 and 2024 with breast lesions. These lesions were categorized using the Tsukuba scale, and tissue samples were sent for pathological examination. The results showed an 82.85% correlation between the Tsukuba scale and the pathological anatomy findings. Additionally, more than 50% of the lesions were located in the lower external quadrant of the breast. These findings suggest that elastography is an effective tool for assessing breast lesions and guiding clinical decision-making.