Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the breast. Healthcare providers often use it to further investigate abnormalities found on other imaging tests, such as mammograms, or to evaluate lumps felt during a physical exam. This method helps characterize breast changes and guide further assessment.
What Breast Ultrasound Shows
A breast ultrasound reveals specific features of breast tissue and potential abnormalities. It distinguishes between fluid-filled cysts, which are typically not cancerous, and solid masses that might require further evaluation. Ultrasound images provide information about a lump’s shape, size, margins, and internal characteristics like blood flow, aiding in assessing its nature.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for individuals with dense breast tissue, where mammograms are challenging to interpret. In dense breasts, fibrous and glandular tissue can obscure abnormalities, but ultrasound often provides a clearer view. While ultrasound offers visual information, it provides features of an abnormality rather than a definitive cancer diagnosis.
The Radiologist’s Assessment
A radiologist, a medical doctor specializing in interpreting medical images, analyzes breast ultrasound images. They examine the characteristics of any findings, such as the shape, margins, and internal structure of a mass. Based on these features, the radiologist classifies findings using standardized systems like the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). This system categorizes lesions as likely benign, suspicious, or highly suspicious, indicating the probability of cancer.
The radiologist’s assessment leads to recommendations for further action, which might include additional imaging or a biopsy. Their role involves identifying areas of concern and guiding the diagnostic process. While they can identify features suggesting cancer, a radiologist does not make a definitive cancer diagnosis based on ultrasound images alone.
Confirming a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
A definitive diagnosis of breast cancer requires more than imaging; it always necessitates a biopsy. This involves removing a small tissue sample from the suspicious area, often guided by ultrasound for accuracy. The sample is then sent to a pathologist, a doctor specializing in examining tissues and cells under a microscope.
The pathologist’s analysis confirms the presence or absence of cancer cells. They also identify the specific cancer type and its characteristics, which are important for treatment planning. While ultrasound and mammography identify suspicious areas, biopsy provides the conclusive evidence for diagnosis. Other diagnostic tools, such as mammograms and MRIs, often work with ultrasound and biopsy for comprehensive treatment planning and disease monitoring.