Source: American Roentgen Ray (x-ray) Society 2009 Annual Meeting
Researchers have found that a little known ultrasound feature may be beneficial in the detection of malignant breast masses. Elastography, literally testing the stretch of breast tissue, diagnosed all malignant masses in the study vs. 88.5% diagnosed by routine ultrasound. Elastography is generally available on ultrasound machines as an added feature.
It’s use was largely experimental 3 years ago in other countries and unfortunately, remains only a research tool in the United States. The continued development of the technology gives hope to both radiologists and patients that they may soon have another tool available for the early detection of malignant breast masses.
posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esq.