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Breast
ultrasound can image several different types of breast conditions, including both
benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) lesions. Ultrasound is frequently
used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening
mammography or diagnostic mammography or during a
physician performed clinical breast exam. Ultrasound
allows significant freedom in obtaining images of the breast from almost any orientation.
This section provides sample images of a variety of breast conditions that can be imaged
with ultrasound. For general information on breast ultrasound, click here.
Normal
Breast Tissue
Sharp diagnostic ultrasound images are
often able to show soft layers of breast tissue. Ultrasound may be particularly
useful in detecting abnormalities in patients with dense breasts. Density is a term
used to describe breast tissue that has many glands close together. Though fairly common
(especially in younger women), dense breasts may make breast masses difficult to detect on
a mammogram film.
All images are courtesy of Siemens Medical Solutions.
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This ultrasound image shows the subtle
differentiation of glandular tissue in a normal breast. (Click on image to view larger
version) |
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This detailed image of normal breast
tissue uses panoramic ultrasound imaging. (Click on image to view larger version) |
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This detailed image was taken after a tumor was
removed.
(Click on image to view larger version) |
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This image shows
superficial breast ducts.
(Click on image to view larger version)
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With color visualization, this image
shows the small superficial vessels of the nipple. (Click on image to view larger
version) |
Breast Cyst
Breast cysts, tiny accumulations of
fluid, are the most common cause of benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps in women between
age 30 and 50. Simple cysts are typically round or oval and have smooth edges.
Complex cysts can be filled with debris and may sometimes require aspiration to confirm
that they are indeed benign cysts. Both single and multiple cysts are very
common. The exact causes of cysts are not known, but they do tend to change with
hormonal variations, either during normal menstrual cycles or from post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy.
When examining a breast abnormality to
determine whether it is a cyst (or multiple cysts), the radiologist will study the
quantity, size, and internal characteristics of the abnormality. Cysts do not become
cancer or increase the risk of cancer. Most of the time, cysts may be left alone, but
sometimes a physician may drain them with a small needle using ultrasound guidance. This procedure is called cyst aspiration.
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Breast cyst. Image shows sharp cystic
walls and internal septation by cyst membrane. (Click on image to view larger version) |
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Breast cyst. Image shows subtle contents within
cyst. (Click on image to view larger version) |
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Large cyst
with layered debris and a solid component. (Click on image to view larger version) |
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Adjacent breast masses: one a debris-filled
cyst, the other a simple cyst. (Click on image to view larger version)
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Panoramic view of a simple breast cyst within
the glandular layer of breast tissue. (Click on image to view larger version) |
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This image shows atypical characteristics of
this cystic breast structure: a somewhat thickened cystic wall and a 5-millimeter
septation by cystic membrane. (Click on image to view larger version) |
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Patient with multiple cysts and other
masses that indicate breast disease. Ultrasound shows the relationship of the dominant
cyst to other masses in this patient.
(Click on image to view larger version) |
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One application of breast ultrasound involves
differentiating simple cysts from solid masses. This image shows a small cyst within the
glandular breast tissue. (Click on image to view larger version) |
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Panoramic image shows ductal and muscular layers
of this high-density breast in addition to identifying multiple small cysts. (Click on
image to view larger version) |
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