Differences in ultrasonographic features between males and females with breast cancer of the luminal A and luminal B molecular subtypes

Abstract

Aim To analyze the relationships between the ultrasonographic features and the molecular subtypes of breast cancer in men and women. Methods Data were collected from 43 males and 80 females with breast cancer who were treated at our hospital. The following ultrasonographic characteristics of the tumors were evaluated: shape, orientation, margin, echo pattern, posterior features, calcifications, Color Doppler Flow Imaging, and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) category. Results On ultrasound, a nonparallel orientation, noncircumscribed margin, and attenuating posterior features were associated with luminal A lesions. A parallel orientation (P = 0.002), circumscribed margin (P = 0.04), no change in posterior features (P < 0.001), and the BI‐RADS 4 category (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with luminal B lesions. In the group with luminal A lesions, male patients were older (P = 0.001) and a greater number of the tumors exhibited a regular shape (P = 0.009), circumscribed margin (P < 0.001), no change in posterior features (P < 0.001), and the BI‐RADS 4 category (P < 0.001) than those in female patients. Male patients were older (P < 0.001) and a greater number showed a no change in posterior features (P < 0.001), spotty blood flow (P = 0.002), and the BI‐RADS 4 category (P < 0.001) than female patients with masses of the luminal B subtype. Conclusion Obvious differences in the ultrasonographic and pathological features were noted between breast cancer in males and females, which provided the theoretical basis for the individualized treatment of breast cancer, particularly breast cancer in males.