Why is USG Breast (Bilateral/Unilateral) Important?
1. Evaluation of Lumps or Abnormalities: A breast ultrasound is commonly performed when there is a lump, pain, nipple discharge, or other abnormalities felt during self-examination or detected during a clinical examination. It can help differentiate between solid and fluid-filled masses, such as cysts or tumors.
2. Complement to Mammography: While mammography is an excellent screening tool, it may not always detect abnormalities in women with dense breast tissue. Breast ultrasound is a valuable complement to mammography, providing additional information, especially in younger women or those with a family history of breast cancer.
3. Monitoring Existing Conditions: For women with a known history of benign breast conditions (such as fibroadenomas or fibrocystic changes), ultrasound can be used for monitoring these conditions over time.
4. Guiding Procedures: If a suspicious mass or area is detected, ultrasound-guided biopsies or aspirations can be performed, allowing healthcare providers to obtain a tissue sample for further examination.
Types of USG Breast
1. Bilateral Breast Ultrasound: A bilateral ultrasound examines both breasts and is typically used when a patient has symptoms affecting both sides, such as widespread pain, or if both breasts have been identified as potentially abnormal during a mammogram. It is also used for routine screening in women with a family history of breast cancer or those with dense breast tissue where both breasts need to be thoroughly evaluated.
2. Unilateral Breast Ultrasound: A unilateral ultrasound is performed when there is concern about one breast only, such as lumps, pain, or other localized symptoms. It is helpful for identifying the cause of an issue in one breast and is often used when a lump is found or symptoms occur in a specific area. This focused exam is typically used when there is localized pain, swelling, or a specific mass that needs to be examined.
