Overviewing Breast Multiparametric Ultrasound and its Uses

Regular monitoring of breast health is the key to keeping problems away. Early detection and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer saves lives of 99% of women. It is also important to differentiate between a fluid filled cyst and tumor early on to save patients from the dread of cancer. For offering comfortable and reliable screening experience, healthcare facilities must use breast multiparametric ultrasound technology. This tool uses various screening features of ultrasound together to give accurate results. Read further to learn about this technology, its uses, and recommended ultrasound systems to perform breast exams. 

What is a Multiparametric Ultrasound?

A multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) is a non-invasive imaging technology that utilizes various ultrasound modalities, such as B-mode TRUS, doppler, and elastography, to give accurate diagnosis. This ultrasound technique is an ideal alternative to invasive and expensive procedures. A mpUS allows for a quicker diagnosis at the point of care, making it a convinient approach for both patients and doctors. 

Multiparametric ultrasound is used to diagnose health conditions, such as liver diseases, prostate cancer, and breast tumors. 

An Introduction to Breast Multiparametric Ultrasound

Breast multiparametric ultrasound combines different modalities of an ultrasound system to give an accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. This technique also differentiates breast cancer from fluid-filled cysts. 

Here are some modalities used in multiparametric ultrasound to screen breast tissues:

B-Mode Ultrasound

This ultrasound mode helps in identifying lesions and assessing their size and shape by producing 2D images of the breast tissues. 

Elastography

Elastography measures the stiffness of the breast tissues to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. In shear wave elastography, stiffness is measured by tracking the progression of the shear waves through the tissues. Whereas, strain elastography measures relative stiffness between breast tissues based on the strain images. 

Doppler Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is an ultrasound technique that measures blood flow through the tissues. In multiparametric ultrasound, this technique distinguishes between malignant and benign lesions by measuring blood flow through them. This technique is also helpful in monitoring tumor's response to treatments. 

Gray Scale Imaging

This ultrasound technique is often used with doppler ultrasound to detect minor signs of breast cancer, such as microcalcification. Gray scale imaging visualizes breast diseases, such as cancers, benign cysts, or mastopathy.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)

CEUS is a technique that helps diagnose benign tumors, malignant tumors, and non-tumorous lesions. CEUS is also used to evaluate the extent of breast disease and identify lymph nodes. This technique is performed by injecting a microbubble contrast agent into the bloodstream to improve the visibility of tumors and blood vessels in the breast tissues. This is how it reduces the number of biopsies needed. 

Benefits of Breast Multiparametric Ultrasound

Breast multiparametric ultrasound offers more value compared to using a single modality ultrasound in a number of ways. Here is how using various modalities benefits doctors in improving their practice and enhancing patient care. 

Serves Multiple Purposes

Multiparametric ultrasound serves various purposes, such as screening dense breast tissues, evaluating suspicious lumps, determining the extent of breast cancer, and guiding a needle biopsy for breasts. 

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy

Using combined modalities to assess breast health gives better results. Modalities, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound give an improved diagnostic accuracy.

Early Detection of Cancer

Multiparametric ultrasound is a valuable tool for early detection of breast cancer, especially while screening dense breast tissues where mammography might be less effective.

Monitoring Treatment Response 

Doctors can use multiparametric ultrasound to monitor the response to treatment, such as chemotherapy or surgery, by monitoring changes in blood flow, tissue stiffness, and tumor size.

Reduced Biopsy Needs 

Using multiple modalities of ultrasound to screen breast tissues reduces the number of biopsies needed. Biopsy is an uncomfortable procedure, so mpUS enhances patient comfort by giving accurate results quickly.

Non-invasive and Safe

Breast multiparametric ultrasound does not require radiation exposure, so it can be performed multiple times to track the course of the disease and its response to the treatment. 

Cost Effective

Multiparametric ultrasound reduces unnecessary biopsies by 47%. It a cost effective option in general compared to other procedure, such as performing MRI scans.

Recommended Ultrasound System 

If you are a healthcare facility looking for a multiparametric ultrasound system for performing breast exams, we recommend Siemens Healthineers' ACUSON S2000. Using advanced technology in your clinical practices will equip you with improved diagnostic capabilities and help you provide better patient care. 

ACUSON S2000 is a premium ultrasound system dedicated for women's health and general imaging. Using this ultrasound system, sonographers can simultaneously review different imaging modalities, such as elastography, B-mode, Doppler, and CEUS. Core features of ACUSON S2000 include advanced imaging technologies, like tissue harmonic imaging, spatial compounding, and high-resolution imaging. 

Heart Medical offers a wide range of old, demo, and refurbished ultrasound systems by Siemens Healthineers. You can choose the best system based on your budget and clinical requirements. If you are unsure about which system to choose, you can reach out to our team of experts for consultation. 

For acquiring ACUSON S2000 for your healthcare facility or any other ultrasound system from Siemens Healthineers having multi-modality features, get in touch with our experts.

Conclusion

Breast multiparametric ultrasound offers improved diagnosis and monitoring by using various modalities together. Using combined modalities, such as B-flow, doppler ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound helps doctors accurately diagnose breast conditions fast. Being a non-invasive technique, this procedure is comfortable for patients and it reduces the need for repeated exams. 

FAQs

Can a breast ultrasound detect cancer?

Breast ultrasound can detect cancer. However, sometimes the results are inconclusive and it requires further tests, such as biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. Breast ultrasound imaging gives a lot of details about the breast health. 

What is the difference between mammogram and breast ultrasound?

Breast ultrasound uses soundwaves to form images of the breast tissues, and it is generally a safer technology. Whereas, mammogram uses x-rays to form images of the breast tissues. It is effective in detecting breast cancer, especially in women with dense breasts, however, it can not be performed frequently as it uses low dose of radiations. 

What ultrasound is used for breast cancer?

Screening breast ultrasound scans the whole breast and can find some cancers that are not detected on the mammogram.