Breast ultrasound
What is it?
Ultrasound is a method that uses ultrasound to obtain images of anatomical structures, including the breast; it does not involve any biological risk. Its use is limited by the impossibility of visualizing the entire volume of the breast at the same time and by the difficulty of identifying malignant lesions at an early stage if they are composed of microcalcifications; it is closely linked to the competence of the doctor who performs it. The ultrasound device is equipped with software such as color-Doppler, power-Doppler, elastography, which help the doctor to interpret the images.
When is this exam indicated?
It is a complementary examination to the breast mammography: in case of doubt at palpation or at the interpretation of the mammographic picture, it allows to verify the presence or absence of a lesion and to define its liquid/solid and often benign/malignant nature. Ultrasonography cannot replace mammography in the search for malignant tumor at an early stage because it does not detect microscopic calcifications detectable by mammography. The use of echocolor-doppler is not helpful in identifying lesions, but sometimes it clarifies their nature (benign or malignant).
It is complementary to palpation and mammography. If palpation identifies nodular changes or mammography shows areas which are suspicious or difficult to interpret, ultrasound can help resolve the diagnostic doubt.
How is it performed?
The examination is performed by the radiologist, with an ultrasound scanner equipped with surface probes, specifically designed for the breast. After spreading the gel on the skin, the probe is used to perform perpendicular and radial scans of the whole breast and armpit.
Where do we treat it?
Our Departments
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