Breast ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound image showing a suspicious mass.

Breast ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate the breast tissue. It utilizes ultrasound waves to produce images of the internal structures of the breast, aiding in the detection and characterization of breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.

Overview

Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. It is often used as a complementary tool to mammography, especially in women with dense breast tissue where mammograms may not be as effective.

Indications

Breast ultrasound is indicated in several scenarios, including:

• Evaluation of a palpable breast lump.
• Further assessment of abnormalities detected on a mammogram.
• Guidance for biopsy procedures.
• Monitoring of known benign breast conditions.
• Assessment of breast implants.

Procedure

During a breast ultrasound, a radiologist or a trained sonographer applies a gel to the skin of the breast and uses a handheld device called a transducer. The transducer emits sound waves that penetrate the breast tissue and reflect back to create an image on a monitor.

Advantages

Breast ultrasound offers several advantages:

• It is a painless and non-invasive procedure.
• It does not use ionizing radiation, making it safe for repeated use.
• It provides real-time imaging, which is useful for guiding biopsies.
• It is effective in distinguishing between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.

Limitations

Despite its benefits, breast ultrasound has limitations:

• It may not detect all types of breast cancer, particularly small calcifications.
• It is operator-dependent, requiring skill and experience for accurate interpretation.
• It may result in false positives, leading to unnecessary biopsies.

Related pages

• Mammography
• Breast cancer
• Biopsy
• Radiology