High Resolution Technique and Lesion Characterization

Breast ultrasound uses high frequency linear transducers and meticulous scanning technique to evaluate palpable lumps screening recalls and to guide interventions. High resolution imaging emphasizes fine detail and requires careful focal zone placement and dynamic compression to assess lesion margins internal architecture and vascularity. Lesion characterization integrates shape orientation margin echogenicity and posterior acoustic features and uses color and power Doppler to evaluate internal flow. Comparative scanning of the contralateral breast and correlation with mammography and with clinical findings improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces unnecessary biopsies.

Elastography and Quantitative Assessment

Elastography complements conventional breast ultrasound by providing stiffness information that helps differentiate benign from malignant lesions and by supporting biopsy decision making. Shear wave and strain techniques provide qualitative maps and quantitative values and technologists obtain multiple measurements to report median stiffness and variability. Standardized acquisition and reporting reduce inter operator variability and combining elastography with gray scale and Doppler features increases specificity for malignancy. Documentation includes measurement depth and transducer type and notes on compression technique to support reproducibility.

Image Guided Biopsy and Localization

Ultrasound guided core needle biopsy is a primary method for tissue diagnosis and requires coordination of sterile technique needle selection and specimen handling. Real time visualization of needle placement ensures sampling of the target and reduces sampling error and immediate post biopsy imaging documents absence of significant hematoma and needle tract. For non palpable lesions localization techniques such as wire placement or radioactive seed insertion use ultrasound for guidance and require clear communication with surgical teams. Proper labeling and transport of specimens and documentation of number of cores and of any complications support diagnostic accuracy and patient care.