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About Breast Ultrasound
Breast Ultrasound is a non‑invasive imaging exam used to help screen for breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue. When used alongside mammography, breast ultrasound can provide additional views of the breast that may help identify findings that are harder to see on a mammogram alone.
Breast ultrasound uses high‑frequency sound waves, without radiation, to create detailed images of breast tissue. This exam is commonly recommended as a supplemental screening tool for women whose breast density may limit the effectiveness of mammography.
What is breast ultrasound?
With ultrasound technology, there is no exposure to ionizing radiation. Instead, ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create a detailed image of the breast or other organs/tissues being examined. The ease of use, comfort and non-ionizing characteristics of ultrasound make it an attractive option to complement mammography as a form of breast imaging. Breast ultrasound does require a script or order from your physician.
Dense Breasts
What are dense breasts?
Breast tissue consists of fatty and fibroglandular tissue. If more than 50% of your breast is composed of fibroglandular tissue, then your breasts are classified as “dense”. The density of your breast tissue may change over time as you progress through normal hormonal changes. 46% of women in the United States have dense breast tissue.
The sensitivity of mammography is significantly diminished in women with dense breast tissue. In addition, there is up to two times higher risk of developing breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue. Supplemental imaging, such as breast ultrasound, can complement mammography and help improve cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue.
Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
This approach allows for easier, more comfortable tissue sampling for the patient and is especially effective for abnormalities that are clearly visible on ultrasound.