Ultrasonography as a Breast Imaging Modality: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) serves as the most prominent adjunct imaging modality to mammography. Ultrasound (US) is cheap, non-invasive and widely available in healthcare centres in Ghana but often used for obstetrics and gynaecological investigations. These including many other factors have stimulated a challenge to further investigate and optimise the use of the ultrasound equipments’ availability in order to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases. Aim: The aim of this article is to review the role played by ultrasonography in diagnosing breast masses. Methods: Google search engine was used to search for ultrasonography related articles. The selected articles were reviewed to prepare this manuscript. Results: It was established that though mammography is the orthodox and only modality suitable for screening and should not be replaced, ultrasound is a helpful and reliable diagnostic tool for first-line imaging (screening) especially in younger women to diagnose a palpable mass in the breast without having to necessarily perform a mammogram examination and it is also the only modality that can accurately detect a cystic mass without a biopsy. MRI has a higher sensitivity but low specificity and hence not suitable to be used as a screening tool. Conclusion: Ultrasound is non- invasive, common and cost effective, however it is advisably to do this procedure when clinically necessary or deemed fit.