[Health Science] Women must know! The best time for breast ultrasound examination and its advantages and disadvantages

Breast health is an important part of women's overall health. With the increasing incidence of diseases such as breast cancer, timely monitoring and examination is particularly important. Breast ultrasound, as a non-invasive and radiation-free diagnostic method, provides a safe and effective way to detect breast diseases and various breast problems, including breast cancer, at an early stage. This article will provide women with the best time to have a breast ultrasound examination and the advantages and disadvantages.

1. Overview of Breast Ultrasound Examination

Breast ultrasound is a medical diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine breast tissue. This technique does not involve radiation and is therefore safe for patients.

The importance of breast ultrasound examination

1. Common types of breast diseases: There are many types of breast diseases, the most common of which are breast cancer and breast cysts. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, and breast cysts, also known as "cystic breast hyperplasia", are a common and multiple benign breast nodules in women, and most of them are benign lesions.

2. The value of early diagnosis: Early detection of breast diseases, especially breast cancer, is crucial to improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Breast ultrasound can detect problems before the disease produces obvious symptoms, making early intervention possible. Especially for dense breast tissue, ultrasound examinations show particular value in detecting small lumps.

The best time for breast ultrasound examination

1. Considerations of the menstrual cycle:

· Cycle phase effects: Women’s breast tissue is affected by hormone levels, which change differently during the menstrual cycle. Typically, breasts are tenderer during the first phase of the menstrual cycle (within a week after menstruation begins), and lumps or other abnormalities are easier to detect.

Recommended examination time: Therefore, for women with regular menstrual cycles, the best time to perform breast ultrasound examination is within one week after the end of menstruation, when breast tissue is relatively less affected by hormones and is more suitable for observation and evaluation.

2. Age factor:

Recommendations for different age groups:

Women aged 20-39: A clinical breast examination is recommended every two to three years, which includes a physical examination by a physician and, if necessary, a breast ultrasound.

Women aged 40 and over: Annual breast examination is recommended, including breast ultrasound and other examinations when necessary, such as mammography.

High-risk groups: Women with a family history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors may need more frequent screening or begin regular screening at a younger age.

3. Individualized consideration:

Each woman's breast condition and health are unique. Therefore, the best time and frequency of examinations should be determined based on your individual health, family history, and your doctor's advice.

Advantages of Breast Ultrasound

1. No radiation risk:

Breast ultrasound is a non-radiation imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves instead of X-rays. Therefore, it is very safe for patients and is particularly suitable for women who need regular breast examinations, including pregnant women and young women.

2. High sensitivity:

Breast ultrasound has a high resolution for soft tissue, especially when examining dense breasts. It can effectively identify and differentiate cystic and solid lesions, and also shows high sensitivity for detecting early breast cancer and other breast lesions such as cysts and fibroadenomas.

5. Limitations of Breast Ultrasound

1. Resolution limitation:

Although breast ultrasound has high soft tissue resolution, it may not be as sensitive as mammography (mammography) in some areas, such as detection of microcalcifications and assessment of deep lesions. In certain complex or ambiguous cases, additional imaging methods may be needed to assist in the diagnosis.

2. Dependence on operator skills:

The effectiveness of breast ultrasound examination depends largely on the operator's skills and experience. A highly skilled operator can more accurately identify and evaluate lesions, while an inexperienced operator may result in missed or misdiagnosis.

Conclusion

Understanding the importance of breast ultrasound and performing this examination regularly is essential to protecting every woman's breast health. It is not only a safe and effective diagnostic tool, but also plays a key role in identifying breast diseases at an early stage. Therefore, all women are strongly encouraged to perform regular breast ultrasound examinations to ensure that any potential problems are detected and treated early. (Kuang Yanqun, Sanzao Town Health Center, Jinwan District, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province)