Advantages of breast ultrasound examination:
Fast, popular, inexpensive, does not compress the breast, no radiation.
The assessment and qualitative value of breast lesions by ultrasound depend more on the quality of the obtained images. Ultrasound is highly dependent on the examiner, and factors such as equipment, operation, or incorrect examination procedures can lead to incorrect conclusions. Although ultrasound technology has rapidly developed, including the introduction of three-dimensional ultrasound probes and automated whole breast scans, in many cases, real-time scanning is still needed for accurate breast ultrasound diagnosis. Full breast ultrasound screening, as a supplement to breast mammography, is widely used, especially for women with dense breast tissue who have good tolerance, but it also has the disadvantages of low specificity and dependence on the examiner’s experience.
Indications for breast ultrasound examination:
1. Evaluate and qualify palpable breast lumps and other breast-related signs and/or symptoms.
2. Evaluate breast abnormalities found in mammography or MRI.
3. Determine the method of breast biopsy.
4. Supplemental screening after mammography for certain specific populations.
Positions for breast ultrasound examination:
In the examination, the patient is positioned in a way to minimize the thickness of the breast being examined in order to facilitate breast examination and the detection of possible abnormalities. Generally, the examined patient should raise both hands above the head. If the lesion is located on the inner side, the patient should lie supine; if it is located on both sides, a semi-lateral position should be adopted to reduce the thickness of the breast at the examination site.
Probe selection for breast ultrasound examination:
Due to the shallow location of the breast and the need to observe small structures during the examination, a high-frequency probe of 10-15MHz should be chosen for breast ultrasound examination whenever possible. However, high-frequency sound waves have lower penetration power compared to low frequencies, so the relationship between high resolution and low penetration power should be considered. If the patient assumes an appropriate position (supine or semi-lateral), most breast tissue is only a few centimeters thick, and a high-frequency probe can generally display all breast tissues clearly. When examining deep breast tissues, especially thick and large breasts of patients, a slightly lower frequency probe can be used.
