Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound examination is a technique that uses a high-frequency ultrasound probe to perform a comprehensive and systematic ultrasound scan of both breasts (including the axilla). It mainly includes: 2D ultrasound: This is the black and white ultrasound we usually see. Color Doppler ultrasound: This is what we usually call color ultrasound. Elastography: This is mainly used to evaluate the hardness of space-occupying lesions in the breast. Generally, malignant tumors are harder, and benign tumors are softer. Differences between breast ultrasound and mammography, X-ray, and MRI examinations Mammography can accurately display calcifications and spicules, especially microcalcifications, with a higher detection rate than ultrasound. However, it involves radiation and is not suitable for repeated examinations. Tumors at the edge of the breast are easily missed. MRI has high resolution for soft tissue lesions, but 5% to 12% of invasive cancers cannot be detected. Moreover, MRI is expensive and not suitable for repeated examinations. Ultrasound examination is radiation-free, harmless, and inexpensive. It is suitable for general screening and dynamic follow-up of suspicious lesions. It can observe the blood flow of suspicious masses, and its display of axillary lymph nodes is superior to mammography. Interpretation of Breast BI-RADS Classification Results Category 0: Indicates the need for other auxiliary examinations. Category 1: Indicates no mass. Category 2: Indicates the mass is benign. Category 3: Indicates the mass is likely benign, but re-examination and follow-up are required in the short term. Category 4: Indicates the mass is suspicious for malignancy, and biopsy is recommended. Category 4A: Low suspicion for malignancy. Category 4B: Moderate suspicion for malignancy. Category 4C: High suspicion for malignancy but not definite. Category 5: Indicates the mass is highly suspicious for malignancy. Category 6: Indicates the mass has been pathologically confirmed as malignant.