[Exploring a non-inflammatory clinical breast mass: Clinical practice guidelines]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of physical examination, radiologic explorations and percutaneous procedures of the breast in the exploration of a non-inflammatory palpable mass, in order to propose guidelines.

Method: A systematic literature review was conducted in the Medline and Cochrane library databases. International guidelines in French and English language were also consulted until April 30th 2015.

Results: Physical examination of a non-inflammatory palpable breast mass is not sufficient to eliminate a breast cancer (LE2). Mammography alone has a sensitivity between 70 and 95% for the diagnosis of breast cancer (LE3). Echography alone has a sensitivity of 98 to 100% for the diagnosis of breast cancer (LE2). The core needle biopsy has a better sensitivity and specificity than the fine-needle aspiration for breast cancer diagnosis (LE2). The association of mammography and 2D echography presents excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value (close to 100 %) to exclude a breast cancer (LE3). A double evaluation using mammography and echography is recommended in the exploration of a non-inflammatory palpable breast mass (grade B).