Elastography of the mammary gland BIRADS

Elastography Of The Mammary Gland Birads

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Elastography is an imaging technique used to assess the stiffness or elasticity of tissues, including the mammary gland (breast). It is particularly useful in the evaluation of breast lesions and can be performed in conjunction with traditional imaging modalities such as mammography or ultrasound. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) is a standardized system used to categorize and report breast imaging findings, including elastography results.

Principles and Applications of Elastography

Elastography works by applying slight compression to the tissue being examined and measuring its deformation or displacement. Malignant lesions, such as breast cancers, tend to be stiffer or less elastic than benign lesions or normal breast tissue. By analyzing the degree of tissue stiffness, elastography can help differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, providing additional information to guide clinical decision-making.

Elastography findings are often integrated with other breast imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound, to provide a comprehensive assessment of breast lesions. The BI-RADS lexicon includes descriptors for elastography findings, which can be used to classify lesions based on their stiffness and potential for malignancy.

Role of Elastography of the Mammary Gland (BIRADS)

Elastography of the mammary gland is an imaging technique used to assess the stiffness or elasticity of breast tissue. It is a valuable tool in the evaluation of breast lesions, aiding in the differentiation between benign and malignant masses. The BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) classification is used to standardize the reporting of breast imaging findings, including elastography results.

Indications for Elastography of the Mammary Gland (BIRADS)

Elastography of the mammary gland is typically indicated in the following situations:

• Evaluation of breast masses or lesions detected during screening mammography, clinical breast examination, or other imaging modalities.
• Characterization of suspicious breast lesions to aid in the differentiation between benign and malignant masses.
• Guiding biopsy procedures by identifying areas of increased stiffness within a lesion, which may correspond to potential areas of malignancy.
• Monitoring response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with breast cancer, as changes in lesion stiffness may indicate treatment response.

Preparation for the Procedure

Prior to undergoing an elastography of the mammary gland, there are a few preparatory steps that may be recommended:

• Avoid applying any creams, lotions, or deodorants to the breast area on the day of the examination, as these may interfere with the imaging process.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the breast area.
• Inform the healthcare provider if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, as this may affect the decision to perform the elastography.
• Provide information about any implants, surgical procedures, or ongoing medical conditions related to the breast area, as these details can assist in accurate interpretation of the results.

The Procedure

The elastography procedure is typically performed as follows:

1. You will be asked to lie down on an examination table, and the area of interest will be exposed.
2. A small amount of gel will be applied to the breast area to facilitate the transmission of ultrasound waves.
3. The technician will use an ultrasound probe to capture images of the breast tissue while applying gentle compression.
4. The elastography technique measures the stiffness of the breast tissue, which can help differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.
5. The entire process is generally painless and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Elastography of the Mammary Gland Birads

Elastography of the mammary gland is an imaging technique used to assess the stiffness or elasticity of breast tissue. It is often performed in conjunction with conventional mammography or ultrasound examinations. The results of elastography are typically reported using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) established by the American College of Radiology.

Elastography provides valuable information about the mechanical properties of breast lesions, which can aid in distinguishing benign and malignant lesions. Malignant lesions tend to be stiffer or harder than benign lesions due to their increased cellular density and altered tissue architecture. By evaluating the elasticity of lesions, elastography can improve the accuracy of breast cancer detection and characterization.

Sources:

https://appliedradiology.com/articles/breast-elastography-a-new-paradigm-in-diagnostic-breast-imaging
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/23335-elastography
https://radiologykey.com/elastography-of-the-breast-2/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3558110/

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or exacerbation of a condition, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnostic testing. Only a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. To obtain the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use different methods and units of measurement for similar tests.