Breast ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging technique, plays a crucial role in the diagnostic journey of breast health. While mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening, ultrasound serves as a valuable addition, particularly in specific scenarios where further assessment is necessary.
One primary reason for performing a breast ultrasound is to investigate abnormalities detected during a physical examination or screening mammogram.
Unlike mammography, which uses X-rays to produce images, ultrasound employs sound waves to generate detailed pictures of the breast tissue.
This technique is especially useful in distinguishing between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses, providing essential information for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
This examination is instrumental in evaluating young women with dense breast tissue, where mammography may be less effective due to the overlapping of dense tissue, making it challenging to detect abnormalities. In such cases, ultrasound serves as a complementary tool, enhancing the detection of suspicious lesions that may be missed on mammography alone.
A breast ultrasound examination is commonly used for guiding minimally invasive procedures, such as cyst aspiration or core needle biopsy. By precisely visualizing the target area in real-time, ultrasound assists in performing these procedures with accuracy, minimizing patient discomfort and reducing the need for more invasive surgical interventions.
Furthermore, ultrasound is invaluable in monitoring patients with a history of breast cancer or those undergoing treatment. It aids in assessing the response to therapy, detecting recurrent disease, and guiding interventions as needed.
In summary, breast ultrasound serves as an indispensable diagnostic modality in the comprehensive evaluation of breast health, but should NEVER be used on its own as a screening tool above the age of 35 years where digital mammography is the “gold standard” in the detection of early breast cancer. Whether used to investigate suspicious findings on a mammogram, guide procedures like biopsy, or monitor treatment, ultrasound plays a vital role in providing timely and accurate information, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of care.
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