Breast ultrasonography (Breast USG) is one of the basic examination methods frequently used in the evaluation of breast tissue, providing radiation-free and real-time imaging.
Breast USG;
- Plays an important role in the structural evaluation of breast tissue,
- Examines palpable masses,
- Investigates clinical complaints such as pain or tenderness,
- Serves as a complementary assessment for different imaging findings
.
Breast USG helps to evaluate breast tissue in layers, including;
- Skin,
- Fat tissue,
- Glandular structure,
- Surrounding soft tissues
together.
Breast tissue can vary from person to person. The main factors that may affect imaging findings include:
- Age,
- Hormonal structure,
- Breast density,
- Structural characteristics of breast tissue
.
Therefore, physical examination alone may not always be sufficient in breast evaluation. Breast USG is an important imaging method that provides detailed information, especially in dense breast tissue and areas that require clinical assessment.
What is Breast USG?
Breast USG is an ultrasonographic examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to provide real-time imaging of breast tissue. It does not involve radiation, is non-invasive, and helps in the detailed evaluation of breast tissue.
During this examination, breast tissue is evaluated in layers from the skin surface to deeper tissue planes.
With ultrasound, the following can be examined in detail:
- Structures within the breast,
- Masses,
- Cystic formations,
- Solid lesions,
- Ductal structures,
- Surrounding soft tissues
.
Breast USG is used not only to assess the presence of a mass but also;
- To understand the characteristics of the existing structure,
- To distinguish different tissue types,
- To evaluate the relationship of findings with surrounding tissues,
- To plan further evaluation if necessary
.
When is Breast USG Performed?
Breast USG can be used in many clinical situations where breast tissue needs to be evaluated.
These situations include:
- Palpable mass,
- Breast pain,
- Tenderness,
- A feeling of fullness,
- Thickening in breast tissue,
- Suspicion of cystic formation,
- Changes in the nipple and surrounding area,
- Other breast findings requiring clinical evaluation
.
Breast USG is also used for:
- Complementary evaluation of findings detected by mammography,
- Examination of dense breast tissue,
- Monitoring certain lesions that require follow-up,
- Detailed evaluation of a specific area
.
Breast USG provides important imaging support not only to evaluate current complaints but also to understand the structural characteristics of breast tissue.
What Does Breast USG Show?
Breast USG helps to show in real-time;
- Cystic structures in breast tissue,
- Solid lesions,
- Tissue differences,
- Fat and glandular tissue,
- Ductal structures,
- Surrounding soft tissues,
- Areas requiring detailed evaluation
.
What Can Be Evaluated with Breast USG?
With Breast USG, the following can be evaluated:
- The general structure of breast tissue,
- Cystic formations,
- Solid lesions,
- Fat tissue,
- Glandular tissue,
- Ductal structures,
- Surrounding soft tissues
.
For a palpable mass, ultrasound can provide a more detailed examination of:
- Whether it contains fluid,
- Whether it is solid,
- Whether it appears homogeneous or heterogeneous,
- Its borders,
- Its relationship with surrounding tissues,
- Whether it has different structural characteristics
.
Additionally, ultrasonography can evaluate:
- Some inflammatory changes in breast tissue,
- Tissue irregularities,
- Areas requiring follow-up,
- Structural differences in specific regions
.
When necessary, axillary lymph nodes can also be included in the examination.
This evaluation is important not only for defining the current finding but also for;
- Creating an appropriate follow-up plan,
- Determining the need for advanced imaging,
- Planning additional assessments
.
After Breast USG
Breast USG is a non-invasive examination method. There is no recovery period after the procedure, and the person can continue their daily life on the same day.
Based on the findings obtained after the examination, the following may be planned:
- Clinical follow-up,
- Control ultrasonography,
- Advanced imaging,
- Additional evaluation,
- Other necessary examinations
.
Breast USG is one of the fundamental imaging methods that helps in the structural evaluation of breast tissue, examination of palpable masses, differential assessment of various breast findings, and planning further steps when necessary.
