When should a woman have a breast ultrasound exam? What are the pros and cons of breast ultrasound?
A. Breast ultrasound (US) is appropriate for patients with dense breast tissue in whom a previously undiagnosed new lump or thickening exists; it is not particularly helpful when an area of lumpiness is shown to represent fatty tissue on mammography, or when nonspecific and intermittent breast pain occurs in the absence of a clinically worrisome palpable finding. US is also helpful in evaluating new abnormalities seen on mammography, specifically in differentiating a solid from a benign cystic lump, and in guiding minimally invasive breast biopsies. While US may demonstrate abnormalities not seen by mammography, it has a much higher false positive rate than mammography, limiting its cost effectiveness as a screening tool, even in women at risk. In addition, as currently practiced, it is highly user-dependent, with tests performed by more experienced radiologists and techs demonstrating more accurate results. Unlike mammography, the equipment and the personnel performing the breast ultr
