BREAST ULTRASOUND IMAGING AT CDS

CDS offers extensive experience in ultrasound examination of the breast. It is now accepted that ultrasound and mammography X-Ray examination compliment one another in this important area of diagnostic imaging. Advances in image quality and scanning expertise have established ultrasound as a valuable part of breast health checks.

Breast ultrasound is widely regarded as more appropriate in women under 50 years of age. Although mammography might be preferred in patients over 50 years of age, a significant number of older patients present with dense glandular tissue. It is accepted that screening of patients with dense breasts by mammography is more difficult from a diagnostic point of view. Increased glandular tissue evenly spread throughout can cause increased breast sensitivity. Localised, scattered collection of glandular tissue can create the feeling of “lumps” within the breast. Glandular tissue is a natural part of the make-up of the breast but evidence shows that mammography can miss a number of cancers in so-called dense breasts.

Glandular development within the breast is very much related to hormonal (oestrogen) factors. Breast ultrasound therefore has an important role to play in examination of patients on HRT or around pregnancy for example. Follow-up or serial scans can be considered in patients who might be regarded as having an increased risk of cancer particularly where there is a family history. There are many reasons why patients may require a breast ultrasound examination, including:

· Changes in feeling or appearance of breasts

· Cancer screening

· Routine check-up

· Benign disease

· Functional (hormonal) changes

· HRT monitoring

· Implant checks

Mammography can be uncomfortable for the patient and is limited in its use due to the inherent radiation risk of X-Ray. Breast scanning provides a safe and relatively accurate method of assessing breasts, using high frequency sound waves. Scans are carried out externally using an ultrasound probe. The probe is lubricated with gel to enable it to pass smoothly over the skin, allowing an internal image to be transferred to the monitor. Scans usually take around half an hour.