Advances in Breast Ultrasound Imaging: A Comprehensive Review For Radiologists, Nursing, and Health Assistant
Abstract
Background: Breast ultrasound has evolved from a supplementary tool into a fundamental modality in breast imaging. While mammography remains the primary screening method, its sensitivity is reduced in women with dense breast tissue. Ultrasound provides a real-time, high-resolution assessment that is not limited by tissue density, making it invaluable for detecting and characterizing both palpable and non-palpable abnormalities.
Aim: This comprehensive review aims to detail the current role, techniques, and clinical significance of breast ultrasound. It covers its advantages, technological advancements, standardized reporting via the BI-RADS lexicon, and its integral place in diagnostic and interventional breast care.
Methods: The review synthesizes established practices and guidelines, describing the systematic technique for performing breast ultrasound, the use of high-frequency linear transducers, and the critical interpretation of sonographic features such as lesion shape, margin, orientation, and posterior acoustic characteristics.
Results: When used adjunctively with mammography, breast ultrasound significantly increases sensitivity for breast cancer detection, particularly in dense breasts. However, this comes with an increased rate of false-positive. Standardized BI-RADS reporting minimizes variability and guides management, from follow-up for probably benign lesions (BI-RADS 3) to biopsy for suspicious masses (BI-RADS 4/5). The modality is also essential for guiding interventions and monitoring treatment response.
Conclusion: Breast ultrasound is an indispensable, safe, and versatile component of modern breast imaging. Its effectiveness relies on skilled personnel, advanced technology, and adherence to standardized protocols to improve diagnostic accuracy, guide patient management, and enhance interdisciplinary healthcare outcomes.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 Moayed Turki Al Harbi, Mohammed Muaidh Sammar Almutairi, Rashed Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Faisal Abdu Moafa, Raed Abdulmohsin Alzahrani, Abdulmajeed Naser Aldakhail, Waleed Mohameed Binsuqiran, Hassan Hussein Alsomali
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