Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue without using ionizing radiation. Different techniques provide distinct information, and some options include handheld ultrasound, automated imaging, Doppler ultrasound, elastography, or three-dimensional imaging. Because dense tissue or breast implants are able to affect mammogram visibility, ultrasound can provide additional imaging information in certain circumstances. Here is more information about the different types of breast ultrasound techniques:
Scanning Tissue By Hand
Handheld breast ultrasound uses a small transducer that moves across the skin to create real-time images of breast tissue. The technique are able to examine a specific area, and it helps distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts. Because the sonographer controls the transducer, image collection are able to vary based on positioning, technique, and the area being evaluated. Handheld ultrasound may also provide additional information when physical examinations or other breast imaging reveal an area requiring further evaluation.
Automating The Whole Breast
Automated whole breast ultrasound provides standardized imaging across the breast rather than examining only one targeted area. SonoCiné AWBUS uses ultrasound technology, and the system captures images as the transducer moves across the breast tissue. The collected images create a sequence that a radiologist can review after the examination.
This imaging approach is able to provide additional information for women with dense breast tissue. Dense tissue can make certain abnormalities harder to distinguish on mammograms, while ultrasound uses sound waves to examine breast structures differently. Because ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, AWBUS provides breast imaging without radiation exposure.
AWBUS also avoids the breast compression associated with mammography, which creates a different examination experience. The imaging process captures multiple views, and radiologists examine the resulting sequence for areas requiring further evaluation. Findings may complement other screening methods based on breast density, medical history, and individual imaging needs.
Building Three-Dimensional Images
Three-dimensional breast ultrasound combines multiple images to create a layered view of breast tissue. Radiologists can examine these images from different perspectives, and the added views provide information about a finding’s shape and location. Because captured imaging data remains available for later review, specialists are able to examine breast structures without repeating the original scan. Three-dimensional imaging may also provide additional information when evaluating abnormalities or planning further breast care.
Mapping Tissue Stiffness
Breast elastography evaluates tissue stiffness by measuring how breast tissue responds to applied pressure or sound waves. The technique complements standard ultrasound, and it provides additional information about areas requiring further evaluation. Elastography may help radiologists assess several characteristics, including:
- Tissue stiffness
- Tissue elasticity
- Mass characteristics
- Surrounding tissue
Because benign and malignant tissues may have different stiffness patterns, elastography helps provide additional information when ultrasound findings remain unclear.
Tracking Blood Flow
Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood flow within and around breast tissue by measuring sound waves reflected from moving blood cells. Color Doppler displays blood flow on ultrasound images, and these patterns can provide additional information about an identified breast abnormality. Because some masses have different vascular patterns, radiologists are able to use Doppler findings alongside structural imaging during evaluation. Doppler ultrasound generally complements other breast imaging methods rather than serving as a standalone screening approach.
Schedule Your Breast Ultrasound Screening
Breast ultrasound includes several imaging techniques that provide different information about breast tissue. Handheld ultrasound evaluates targeted areas, while automated systems can capture images across the entire breast. Because imaging needs vary, three-dimensional ultrasound, elastography, or Doppler imaging help to provide additional information in certain situations. A healthcare provider can review breast density, medical history, and previous imaging when discussing appropriate ultrasound screening options.
