Automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS): can it replace mammography as a screening tool?

Yasser I Abd Elkhalek,Rasha Wessam Abdel Rahman Abdel Hamid,Ahmed M Bassiouny

doi:10.1186/s43055-019-0051-6

Yasser I Abd Elkhalek, Rasha Wessam Abdel Rahman Abdel Hamid + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43055-019-0051-6

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Abstract

BackgroundMammography is the most accepted, accurate, and effective modality in screening of breast cancer, yet its sensitivity is affected by the density of the breast tissue. Alternative methods for screening are the sonography and MRI but both had their limitations. A new option named ABUS (automated breast ultrasound system) is now proposed to overcome the breast US limitation as it is time-consuming and operator-dependent and to overcome the costly time-consuming MRI. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the accuracy of ABUS in the detection of different breast lesions as a substitution for mammography. This prospective study included 25 women outreached for digital mammography or handheld ultrasound examination at the period between January 2017 and February 2018. Women have no specific age group.ResultsSignificant improvement in the detection of breast lesions by ABUS use with mammogram especially in dense breasts (ACR class C and D)ConclusionABUS is a promising competitor to mammogram in screening of breast lesions

Highlights

Mammography is the most accepted, accurate, and effective modality in screening of breast cancer, yet its sensitivity is affected by the density of the breast tissue
The mammogram is used in a large scale in screening of breast lesions, and it proved to be effective in the detection of the lesions and so reducing mortality from breast cancer
Twenty-five female patients, age ranging 29–69 years (Tables 1 and 2) having their routine screening or complaining from breast pain or a palpable mass were submitted to Automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) and mammography

Summary

Introduction

Mammography is the most accepted, accurate, and effective modality in screening of breast cancer, yet its sensitivity is affected by the density of the breast tissue. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the accuracy of ABUS in the detection of different breast lesions as a substitution for mammography. This prospective study included 25 women outreached for digital mammography or handheld ultrasound examination at the period between January 2017 and February 2018. Some studies show low sensitivity down to 50% or less as dense breasts can obscure the tumors and make reading and interpreting the exam difficult and inaccurate. This resulted in increased false-positive lesions and increased number of useless biopsies and so increased costs and increased the patient’s anxiety. About 50% of young females less than 50 years of age have dense breasts and about 1/3 of older females more than 50 years have dense breasts

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