Detect Breast Cancer via Ultrasound Imaging

In the United States more than 40 percent of women have dense breast tissue, which is more difficult to detect cancers on a mammogram. Doctors in southern california tested new ultrasound technology which helps to detect cancers. 

Stacey Herkert, who knows the benefit of using a new detection method. Stacey Herkert shared her testimony to CBS news. In that report she said she has a family history of breast cancer, so every year they make sure with mammograms.

According to Dr Mary Yamashita, Professor of Radiology at USC “Women with dense breast tissue have more white glandular tissue on the mammogram so the background appears white”. 

At USC,  Stacey Herkert joined a new three-dimensional ultrasound to see whether doctors can identify cancer tissues accurately. The procedure of this ultrasound system is that the patient lies on her stomach and breast is placed into a warm water bath. Within two or four minutes the machine can scan the entire breast by using sound waves. Dr Mary Yamashita added “there is no radiation exposure and there is no compression of breast”. 

To experience the machine’s effectiveness, researchers compare patients’ mammography results. Researchers register almost 10,000 patients for the study at the seven sites across the country. If this new ultrasound system is proven to be more effective it could finally  be used in addition to annual mammograms.