A Comparative Study of Automated Breast Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Local Breast Cancer Staging in Malaysia

Background: Accurate local staging is crucial for breast cancer treatment planning. This study aimed to compare the measurements of tumour size and distance from the nipple using automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a Malaysian cohort. Method: A retrospective study was conducted on 36 women (49 breast lesions) who underwent both MRI and ABUS. Two breast radiologists independently assessed the anonymized images. Tumour size and distance from the nipple were measured and compared between modalities. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, by employing student's t-test and kappa analysis, with a significance level of P < 0.001. Results: The mean tumour size was 27.2 mm on ABUS and 28.3 mm on MRI, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). MRI also measured a significantly greater distance from the nipple (P < 0.001). Inter-reader agreement was excellent for breast density assessment but not for lesion description. Conclusion: ABUS and MRI demonstrate comparable performance in preoperative breast cancer staging, although MRI tends to give a larger tumour size and distance measurement from the nipple. Both modalities can contribute to local staging, aiding treatment decisions.