Breast Ultrasound: When Is It Needed and Why Is It Important?
The breast ultrasound is a safe, painless, and quick examination that uses sound waves to create images of the internal breast tissue. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring breast conditions, especially when combined with other imaging modalities such as mammography.
When is breast ultrasound recommended?
Ultrasound is not part of the annual preventive population control for all women. However, it is indicated in specific cases:
- For supplementary mammography assessment, especially in women with dense breasts where it can reveal malignancies that are not visible on mammography
- As first exam in women under 30–35 years presenting with breast symptoms (palpable lump, pain, nipple discharge)
- For her lesion mapping (whether cystic or solid).
- For her monitoring pre-existing lesions
- For her targeted biopsy guidance when there is a suspicious finding.
- For him checking the axillary lymph nodes, in cases of diagnosed breast cancer.
Elastography: Detecting lesion “stiffness”
The elastography is a specialized technique that is performed as part of an ultrasound scan. It measures the hardness of an alteration, feature that may indicate malignancy.
Recent studies show elastography improves ultrasound specificity in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, reducing unnecessary biopsies.
ABUS: Automated Breast Ultrasound
The ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound) is a new ultrasound technology that uses an automated transducer to record 3D images of the breast.
Advantages of ABUS include:
- Provides standardized display which can be reassessed without the woman's presence.
- Does not require a specialized operator
- It is internationally evaluated as complementary method of mass screening in women with dense breasts
Artificial Intelligence: The future of breast imaging
The artificial intelligence (AI) is already making its first steps in breast ultrasound imaging, enhancing diagnostic accuracy — especially in settings with limited expertise [(Bunnell et al., 2024)]. In the future, AI is expected to support early cancer detection.
Why undergo breast ultrasound?
- It is painless fast and without radiation
- Ideal for women under 35 years
- Valuable tool for dense breasts
- It helps in Early diagnosis and proper treatment guidance
Stay informed — Prevent — Protect yourself
At breastaware.gr , we believe knowledge is power. Visit our website for reliable information about breast diseases, mammography, ultrasound, and modern diagnostic techniques.
Prevention starts with knowledge — and knowledge starts with Breast Aware.
Bibliography:
- Amitai Y, et al. Eur Radiol. 2024
- Wang F, Wang H. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023;102(6):e32700
- Iacob R, et al. Bioengineering. 2024;11(3):262
- Lobig F, et al. Clin Breast Cancer. 2023;23(6):e349–e362
- Boca AI, et al. J Pers Med. 2021;11(6):522
- Allajbeu I, et al. Curr Breast Cancer Rep. 2021;13:17–25
- Bunnell A, et al. arXiv preprint. 2024
- Luo L, et al. arXiv preprint. 2023
