OBJECTIVES: I. Measure blood flow of primary breast lesions and corresponding lymph nodes by Power Doppler Ultrasound (PDU) and compare this information with metastatic potential and patient survival in women with primary breast cancer. II. Correlate intratumor/-nodal blood flow with pathological variables using standard histology and special stains in this patient population. III. Correlate intratumor microvessel density with total tumor blood flow and with the presence of axillary lymph node metastases using this diagnostic method in these patients. IV. Correlate tumor blood flow with various markers of angiogenesis using this diagnostic method in these patients. V. Compare tumor blood flow as measured with PDU before and after contrast enhancement in these patients.