The Utility of Hand-held Real-time Scanners for Breast Sonography

Sonographic mammography is a diagnostic tool used in conjunction with radiographic mammography. It is economically advantageous to utilize existing equipment versus purchasing a dedicated breast scanner. This article reviews the diagnostic contributions that can be made by real-time examinations of palpable breast masses and compares the advantages and disadvantages of using a real-time unit versus a dedicated scanner. Two hundred eighty-eight patients were scanned after radiographic mammography; scanning provided additional information that contributed to the diagnosis. Four types of lesions are discussed and demonstrated: lesions in a dense breast, lesions indeterminate on radiographic mammography, probable cystic lesions, and palpable lesions for which aspiration has failed.