Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) as a screening tool: initial experience

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a major health problem, being the most common cancer in women. Early detection of breast cancer aims to the reduction of mortality and morbidity rates. Conventional screening methods include mammography and ultrasonography; however, both modalities have their limitations. Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is a recent technological advancement in the field of breast imaging having the benefit of standardization of the scans and lack of operator dependence as in conventional handheld ultrasound scans. The aim of this work was to report our initial experience of the added value of ABUS as a breast screening tool. The study included 200 patients who had screening mammograms, ultrasound, and ABUS. Results: A significant difference was found between the number of lesions detected by ABUS and conventional ultrasound. A significant difference was found between lesions detected by ABUS and mammography which was most evident in patients with dense breasts. Conclusions: ABUS is a valuable tool in the screening of the breast with improved lesion detection, especially in patients with dense breasts.