Our Summary

This research paper reviews the use of ultrasound imaging for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. It discusses various technologies including ultrasound elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, 3-D ultrasound, automatic breast ultrasound, and computer-aided detection of breast ultrasound. The paper also reviews the use of ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, which helps doctors collect tissue samples for testing, and the combination of ultrasound with other imaging techniques like MRI. The authors also compare the effectiveness of ultrasound with mammography, MRI, PET, and CT scans for breast cancer diagnosis. The paper concludes that new ultrasound imaging techniques and the combination of ultrasound with other methods are important tools for managing breast cancer patients.

FAQs

  1. What are the different ultrasound imaging technologies discussed in the research for breast cancer detection and diagnosis?
  2. How does ultrasound-guided breast biopsy work and why is it important?
  3. How does the effectiveness of ultrasound compare to other imaging techniques like mammography, MRI, PET, and CT scans for breast cancer diagnosis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast biopsy is to follow any pre-procedure instructions provided by the medical team, such as avoiding blood-thinning medications and fasting before the procedure. It is also important to communicate any allergies or medical conditions to the healthcare provider performing the biopsy. After the procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort or bruising at the biopsy site, but if there is excessive bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be sure to follow up with your doctor for the results of the biopsy and discuss any further treatment options or next steps.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a breast biopsy include:

  1. Women with abnormal mammogram results: If a mammogram shows suspicious findings such as a lump, calcifications, or a mass in the breast, a biopsy may be recommended to further evaluate the abnormality.

  2. Women with a palpable lump in the breast: If a woman or her healthcare provider feels a lump in the breast during a physical exam, a biopsy may be recommended to determine if the lump is cancerous or benign.

  3. Women with a family history of breast cancer: Women with a family history of breast cancer, especially those with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, may be recommended for a biopsy as a precautionary measure.

  4. Women with a personal history of breast cancer: Women who have been previously diagnosed with breast cancer may be recommended for a biopsy if there are new or suspicious findings in the breast.

  5. Women with certain risk factors: Women who have certain risk factors for breast cancer, such as a genetic mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2), dense breast tissue, or a history of radiation therapy to the chest, may be recommended for a biopsy to monitor for any changes in the breast tissue.

Overall, the decision to recommend a breast biopsy is based on a combination of factors, including the patient’s age, medical history, breast cancer risk factors, and imaging findings. Biopsies are typically recommended when there is concern that a breast abnormality may be cancerous and further evaluation is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Timeline

Before breast biopsy:

  1. Patient receives a referral from their primary care physician or specialist for a breast biopsy.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and imaging tests such as mammogram or ultrasound to identify suspicious areas in the breast.
  3. Patient may undergo additional imaging tests like MRI or biopsy to further evaluate the suspicious area.
  4. Patient discusses the risks and benefits of the biopsy procedure with their healthcare provider and gives informed consent.
  5. Patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications like blood thinners before the biopsy.

After breast biopsy:

  1. Patient is given instructions on how to prepare for the biopsy procedure, such as fasting before the procedure.
  2. Patient undergoes the biopsy procedure, which can be done using ultrasound guidance or stereotactic guidance.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort or pain during the procedure, but it is usually well-tolerated.
  4. Tissue samples are collected during the biopsy and sent to a pathology lab for analysis.
  5. Patient receives follow-up instructions on caring for the biopsy site and when to expect results.
  6. Patient may experience some bruising or tenderness at the biopsy site after the procedure, which should resolve within a few days.
  7. Patient receives the results of the biopsy from their healthcare provider, which may include a diagnosis of breast cancer or benign findings.
  8. Patient and healthcare provider discuss next steps for treatment and follow-up care, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of biopsy do you recommend for me and why?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed and how long will it take?
  3. Are there any risks or complications associated with the biopsy procedure?
  4. Will I need any special preparation before the biopsy?
  5. How soon will I receive the results of the biopsy?
  6. What will the biopsy results tell us about my condition?
  7. What are the next steps if the biopsy results are positive for cancer?
  8. Are there any alternative imaging techniques or biopsy methods that could be considered?
  9. How will the biopsy results impact my treatment plan?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Guo R, Lu G, Qin B, Fei B. Journal: Ultrasound Med Biol. 2018 Jan;44(1):37-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.09.012. Epub 2017 Oct 26. PMID: 29107353