Ultrasonography as a Breast Imaging Modality: A Review
P. Agbenorku *
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Department of Surgery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
V. E. Agbemor Brayn
Department of Surgery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
F. Aitpillah
Department of Surgery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
J. Akpaloo
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Department of Surgery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
K. Aboah
Department of Surgery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
E. Agbenorku
College of Computing and Engineering, University of Salford, Media City Campus, Salford, United Kingdom.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Ultrasonography, first-line imaging, cystic mass, biopsy, non-invasive