Modern breast ultrasound. Potential and limitations

Purpose: The rapid development of sonography made it seem advisable to reconsider the clinical value of breast ultrasound. Our experience with new techniques and current research will be presented. Methodology: Various indications for breast ultrasound will be discussed. New Doppler techniques extending the ability to detect low blood flow will be presented. Results: The differentiation of suspicious areas seen on mammography and the detection of occult breast cancer are the major challenges in breast ultrasound. A limitation is its low capability to visualize microcalcifications. A promising approach is the development of highly sensitive, color-coded techniques for the detection of minimal blood flow. Another progress is the development of an ultrasound contrast medium that is not inactivated during first lung passage. Conclusion: Breast ultrasound provides complementary information to mammography. Using stable ultrasound contrast medium and highly sensitive color-coded Doppler techniques for the detection of minimal blood flow, we hope to find new criteria far the diagnosis of angioneogenesis in breast cancer.