ABUS stands for automated whole-breast ultrasound, and it is specifically designed for women with dense breasts. While traditional breast screening methods have difficulty in examining dense breasts, an ABUS solves that problem.
The machine is increasingly used by doctors in Boise, Idaho. It is not just able to see through dense breast tissues but saline and silicone breast implants as well.
Therefore, if you are someone who has had little success with traditional mammograms, an Automated breast ultrasound Boise might just be your best fix. This new approach is able to find 30% more cancers in women and prevent the condition from getting worse. It can also increase the detection of other types of cancers that a regular mammogram cannot.
What is ABUS?
An Automated whole-breast ultrasound in Boise is an effective and non-invasive method to look at your organs and soft tissues. It is also the only ultrasound device approved by the FDA for breast cancer screening. During ultrasound, you do not have to deal with the ionizing radiation. It is a quick and painless procedure.
On a mammogram, the dense tissues and cancer masses both appear white on the results, making it increasingly difficult to detect the disease. On the other hand, with the help of an ABUS, a radiologist is able to access various dense breast tissue image “slices” and analyze each one of them to detect breast cancers that may not be visible on a mammogram alone.
How does an ABUS screening go?
Upon your arrival at the clinic, you will likely be asked to provide information about any past breast imaging tests that you may have done. A technologist will review your medical information.
During the exam, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table. Next, a special lotion will be applied to your breast so that the sound waves can travel easily from the machine through your breast tissues. These sound waves will bounce off your breast tissues and create “echoes.” The transducer converts them into electrical signals.
A computer is used to process these electrical signals and produce pictures of your breast tissues on a screen. They are either for viewing only or may be recorded for further analysis. The entire process takes about an hour and does not take up your whole day. Therefore, you do not have to make hefty changes in your schedule for a breast screening with ABUS.
Who is ABUS screening right for?
As mentioned earlier, breast tissue is the ratio between the amount of dense and non-dense breast tissue you have. Moreover, there are four different levels of breast density. It is important that women are educated about what they mean for their health.
For example, say you have a breast density that is 40% of the women in the United States and Idaho. In that case, ABUS screening can be greatly beneficial in detecting cancers. Just a mammogram may not be enough.
Do I still need a mammogram, then?
Yes. Even though mammograms are not always successful in detecting breast cancers, they are still the gold standard for detection. Certain types of cancers can only show up on a mammogram, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and calcifications. They have been proven to reduce mortality rates through early intervention. These may not be visible through an MRI or ultrasound.
Further, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions for mammography based on your age and risk factors. For most women, annual or biennial mammograms are recommended starting at age 40. However, people with a higher risk, such as a family history or genetic predispositions (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations), should go more frequently.
Do not delay your treatment!
Your doctor in Idaho can best guide you whether you require a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI. It is best not to become your own doctor when it comes to cancer. Schedule your appointment today!
