Breast ultrasound elastography

Breast ultrasound elastography – what is it?

Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that can detect potential neoplastic lesions in breast tissue. It uses ultrasound waves and is completely painless.

Elastography is an ultrasound technique that measures tissue stiffness. This can only be done with modern scanners. If a focal lesion is detected in the breast, the doctor can check whether the lesion is 'soft' (indicating a benign process) or 'hard' (indicating a malignant tumour). This method is particularly useful when the doctor detects a lesion but is not sure whether it needs to be biopsied. Using elastography, the doctor can either decide not to order a biopsy if the lesion is "soft" (and a biopsy is not necessary), or refer the patient for a biopsy if the lesion initially appears benign but is found to be "hard" by elastography.

Breast ultrasound elastography vs conventional breast ultrasound

Compared to conventional breast ultrasound, elastography provides more information and a more accurate assessment of a detected lesion. In some cases, the decision to perform a breast biopsy is based on the results of elastography.

Indications for breast ultrasound elastography

As part of cancer screening, every woman over the age of 35 should have a breast ultrasound once every 1-3 years, depending on her personal risk assessment.

Breast ultrasound elastography is recommended when there is a suspicion of breast cancer and for women with dense glandular tissue. This is common in young women and those who have used hormonal contraception for a long time.

Breast ultrasound elastography – description of the procedure

Breast ultrasound elastography is a painless and safe examination. It is performed using a modern elastography ultrasound machine.

The examination procedure

The patient undresses from the waist up, lies down on the examination table and raises her arms above her head. The doctor applies a special gel to the ultrasound probe, places the device on the patient's skin and moves the probe over the area to be examined, applying light pressure. At the same time, the specialist analyses the image that appears on the monitor.

The examination takes less than 20 minutes and is completely painless.

• Nipple ultrasound with elastography does not require any preparation on the part of the patient. For your own comfort on the day of the examination, it is advisable only to put on comfortable, non-restrictive clothing.
• No referral for the examination is required. 
• The result of the examination is available immediately.