What is the significance of breast ultrasound in breast cancer screening?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Tien Phu - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
According to statistics of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In Vietnam, in 2018 there were over 15,000 new cases, including more than 6,000 deaths from breast cancer.
Notably, often the younger breast cancer patients, the worse the prognosis, the lower the cure rate than the elderly. After epidemiological studies, experts believe that the most effective method to increase the cure rate of breast cancer, especially in young people, is to go for screening to detect the disease early. In the screening process, breast ultrasound is one of the important screening methods that many women do not understand.

1. Learn the concept of breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a technique that uses ultrasound waves to examine the mammary gland to reconstruct the image and structure of the mammary gland, helping to detect abnormalities in the morphology of the mammary glands.
Breast ultrasound can be performed in the usual way by direct examination by a doctor or by 3D automatic breast ultrasound. With the 3D automatic breast ultrasound method, the patient will be examined by an automatic scanner. Then, the specialist will analyze the obtained images to look for abnormalities of the mammary glands.

2. Importance of breast ultrasound in breast cancer screening.

Currently, there are 5 methods to help detect breast cancer including: Self-examination, clinical examination, mammography, breast MRI and breast ultrasound.
Breast self-exam Breast self-exam is a method in which a woman checks herself for abnormalities by palpating and observing her own mammary glands. Detected changes such as palpable mass, signs of skin pulling, nipple retraction, nipple discharge, etc., are manifestations of breast cancer. However, if breast self-examination shows nothing special, it is still impossible to be certain that breast cancer is not present because early breast cancer often has no clinical manifestations.

Physical examination
The doctor will examine the breast by observation and palpation to detect abnormal signs or masses. Small, early-stage breast tumors may not be clinically palpable.
Mammography
Mammography is a special X-ray technique for the mammary glands. The purpose of mammography is to detect microcalcified lesions, mass lesions, and structural disorders. Early breast cancers often appear on mammograms as calcifications with characteristic morphology and distribution.
Breast MRI
Is an advanced imaging technique capable of detecting abnormalities in the mammary glands, combined with intravenous injection of contrast agents to help evaluate in more detail the enhancement characteristics of the lesion. . In addition, magnetic resonance also helps to assess the stage in breast cancer.
Breast ultrasound
Breast ultrasound has a number of advantages:
Increases the ability to detect breast cancer in cases with dense breast tissue, which is a common feature in Vietnamese and Asian women Generally speaking. When breast tissue is dense, it will reduce the ability to detect lesions of mammograms. Together with mammography, it becomes a valuable and effective screening tool, helping to distinguish cystic and solid tissue lesions that present as opacities on mammograms. The process is simple, the examination can be repeated as soon as needed. Reasonable price compared to Vietnamese people. Currently, breast ultrasound is still considered a safe, simple, moderate cost, non-toxic method because it does not use radiation, is non-invasive, painless, has quick results, and is usable. for all ages from young women to the elderly.

3. When to get screened for breast cancer?

Customers at high risk for cancer should pay attention to regular early screening - especially family members with breast cancer; women in perimenopause and menopause; are having symptoms of breast cancer: pain in the breast, lumps in the breast, armpit,...

One of the most advanced automatic 3D breast ultrasound equipment in the world for breast cancer screening is now available in Vietnam and used by Vinmec International General Hospital.
Understanding the worries of women in breast health examination and screening, Vinmec Imaging Department has been equipped with ultrasound machines with specialized transducers, high frequency for examination. mammary gland and especially brought advanced automatic 3D ultrasound technology in the world to Vietnam. This system is manufactured by GE Heathcare (USA) with the name Invenia TM ABUS.
This is a device capable of screening, diagnosing, monitoring before and after treatment of breast diseases and together with a mammography system to help increase the ability to detect breast cancer from a very early stage when it is not yet detected. have clinical manifestations.

The technique is performed by highly trained technicians and analyzed by radiologists specialized in breast pathology. Therefore, this device is of great value in detecting lesions, especially detecting very small tumors of the mammary gland. Image data is long-term stored on the PACS system as part of an electronic medical record and can be easily retrieved to help track and compare lesions between visits from there, improving the value of the image. diagnose. In addition, Vinmec also has a multi-specialty approach to breast cancer to help patients receive comprehensive and effective care.

With the prevalence of breast cancer today, women should take measures to take care of and protect their health. Breast ultrasound with specialized equipment, especially with 3D automatic breast ultrasound system when combined with mammography, will help the screening and breast cancer screening achieve optimal efficiency.
To contact advice on breast cancer screening packages, you can refer to the system of Vinmec International Hospitals and Clinics across the country HERE.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.