Objective To investigate the predictive value of conventional ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography in axillary lymph node metastasis of early small breast cancer.

Methods A total of 150 female breast cancer patients were selected. According to the histopathological results, the patients were divided into axillary lymph node metastasis group (44 cases) and axillary lymph node non-metastatic group (106 cases). Conventional ultrasound was performed on the breast mass and axillary lymph nodes, and ultrasound elastography was performed on the mass. The correlations between the axillary lymph node metastasis and the ultrasound image of the mass and the elastic features of the mass were analyzed.

Results Univariate analysis showed that breast mass elasticity score, histopathological grade, axillary lymph node minor diameter, cortical thickness, blood supply type and disappearance of lymphatic hilum were correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that mass elasticity score (P=0.007) and cortical lymph node thickness (P < 0.001) were independent influencing factors for axillary lymph node metastasis in early small breast cancer.

Conclusion Conventional ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography is of great value in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis of early small breast cancer, which is conducive to early diagnosis, early treatment and improvement the prognosis of patients.