Breast Ultrasound - Examination without Radiation

18.03.2014

Breast Ultrasound Scan is one of the test methods used both individually and as a supplement method for mammography examination.

 

Breast Ultrasound Scan is one of the test methods used both individually and as a supplement method for mammography examination.

Breast Ultrasound is mostly used in the following cases:

• pregnancy;

• for women during breastfeeding (lactation) period;

• young women during preventive examinations (up to approximately 40 years of age);

• men;

• if the mammography method does not ensure an accurate diagnosis because of the breast tissue specificity (density);

• to clarify the breast tissue changes and formations visible in mammogram, etc.

Breast Ultrasound key benefits:

• This procedure is painless and does not cause any discomfort;

• There is no radiation during the examination;

• It is often an indispensable supplementary examination method;

• The examination is convenient and easy to perform and can be easily repeated if necessary.

Capital Riga Clinic Diagnostic Radiologist Justine Deicmane who specializes in breast ultrasound, emphasizes:

"Women's breasts are special organs that the Doctor has to know and understand in order to be able to examine them correctly. Moreover, female breast anatomy differs in each case, the anatomy is different at different ages, so the Doctor has to have specific knowledge to examine them correctly. Breasts are woman's pride, a symbol of femininity, so they need to be respected and great attention should be paid to them. Women should avoid breast injuries and severe cold. Breasts should be examined at least once every two years using ultrasound or mammography examinations. Women should definitely use the state -funded breast examination tests available for every woman between the age of 50 and 69. Then again - every woman knows her body best and should not forget about self-testing. It helps to spot any changes in breast tissue as early as possible. Dear women, love your breasts and take care of your breast health!"

Capital Clinic Riga Breast Ultrasound examinations are carried out with the latest Philips HealthCare Ultrasound device "EPIQ". It is the most compact, lightest and "greenest" premium class ultrasound device in today's medical equipment market.

Philips HealthCare Ultrasound device ''EPIQ'' is equipped with the unique xMatrix X6 -1 probe, which provides the highest quality images for accurate diagnostics, as well as 3D/4D imaging possibilities. This ultrasound device also includes elastography - the latest visual diagnostic method with provides the opportunity to assess various breast malformations in addition to breast ultrasound and mammography examinations. Using this method the doctor can precisely identify the nature of the malformation and evaluate its tissue density. Studies have shown that by combining elastography method with ultrasound examination outstanding results in tumor diagnostics can be achieved. Using this method the doctor can better differentiate malignant and benign malformations and therefore potentially reduce the frequency of unnecessary biopsies. It is non-invasive and painless breast examination.

In the past, when performing elastography examination, pressure had to be applied manually on the detector in the examination zone. Now the detector sends a signal and the measures the tissue density itself, without applying the pressure. Ultrasound device ''EPIQ'' is equipped with an automatic program to improve the working speed. Automatic measurement system provides higher quality images (without artifacts) even for the slightest anatomical structure visualization and allows to make accurate measurements. The colored elasticity map depicts suspicious malformation elasticity gradient relative to the surrounding tissue where it is localized.

In addition, Philips ''EPIQ'' ultrasound device is also equipped with other examination functions, for example, it is possible to make the thyroid and liver quantitative elastography, which acts as a "virtual biopsy". The program enables to measure and determine the fibrotic changes in a non-invasive way. Capital Riga Clinic specialists highly appreciate this equipment because of its high image quality and outstanding performances.