Diagnostic Breast Imaging Procedures: Ultrasound

WHAT IS ULTRASOUND?
Diagnostic ultrasound is the use of high frequency sound waves to visualize structures within the body. A small device called a transducer is used to send sound waves into the body, which are then reflected off of internal structures. The returning sound waves (echoes) are then sent back to the same transducer and the attached equipment electronically changes the echoes into a picture (image) of your internal structures. If your blood flow is what is being studied, audible sound as well as an image can be produced.

IS ULTRASOUND SAFE?
Diagnostic ultrasound has been in use for over 25 years. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has issued the following statement in regards to the clinical safety of ultrasound: "No confirmed biological effects on patients or instrument operator caused by exposure at intensities typical of present diagnostic instruments have ever been reported. Although the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicate that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present."

Even with these precautions in place, ultrasound manufacturers are constantly working to find additional ways to reduce ultrasonic exposure without compromising diagnostic benefit.

ISN'T ULTRASOUND JUST FOR PREGNANCIES?
Besides pregnancies, ultrasound is used to image the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, ovaries, prostate, testicles, thyroid and breasts. Ultrasound can also look at and listen to the blood flow within arteries and veins in the neck, abdomen and legs and the valves and chambers of your heart. Additionally, ultrasound is becoming increasingly important in surgery as a visual aide to the surgeon. Ultrasound is one of the most quickly growing diagnostic tools. Clinicians around the world are constantly finding new applications for ultrasound systems.

Breast Ultrasound is often used in addition to mammography. The ultrasound can help evaluate areas found on the mammogram to determine if an area of interest is solid or fluid filled. It is a comfortable, typically non-invasive procedure. Ultrasound can also be used as a follow up exam. Areas identified on a previous exam as benign appearing often are followed short term (3-6 months) to see if there has been any change over a specified period of time. Ultrasound is particularly helpful in women with fibrocystic breasts due to its ability to penetrate dense breast tissue.

Ultrasound is also used to help guide biopsies. In these cases, the physician is able to view the needle being inserted into the breast. This will ensure that the proper area is being sampled.

WILL ULTRASOUND HURT?
The procedure itself is painless, but in order to obtain the best image possible, mild discomfort might occur from some pressure or angling in an unusual direction. A gel-like substance is applied to the skin surface so that the transducer will have better contact; the gel might be slightly cold but it will not be painful. For some ob and gynecological exams, it may be necessary to place the transducer inside the vagina, however most women do not find this uncomfortable. In the case of a prostate exam, a transducer is inserted into the rectum; this will not cause any more discomfort than a normal rectal examination.

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Aggiornato il: 28 gennaio 2001