Treatment Overview
High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound Screening is one of the most advanced diagnostic techniques in women’s health, designed to detect breast abnormalities such as cysts, fibroadenomas, and early-stage cancers with high precision. This non-invasive imaging method uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of the breast tissue. It is particularly valuable for women with dense breast tissue, where traditional mammograms may be less effective.
As part of comprehensive breast health screening, high-resolution ultrasound has become a standard diagnostic approach in modern obstetrics and gynecology clinics. It allows physicians to evaluate both the surface and deeper layers of the breast tissue, ensuring accurate and early detection of abnormalities.
This screening method does not involve radiation exposure, making it safe for women of all ages, including younger women and pregnant individuals. It is also a critical follow-up tool after mammography or clinical breast examination, offering a clear view of areas that may need further evaluation.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound Screening is to identify potential breast conditions early, ensuring prompt diagnosis and effective treatment planning. It is a key part of preventive care under Women’s Health and General Gynecology, promoting lifelong breast wellness.
Major benefits include:
- High Precision Imaging: Provides detailed visualization of breast structures, helping to detect even small lesions.
- No Radiation Exposure: Uses sound waves instead of X-rays, making it completely safe for all women.
- Effective for Dense Breast Tissue: Ideal for women whose dense breasts make mammogram readings difficult.
- Early Detection of Abnormalities: Helps identify cysts, benign tumors, and potential malignancies before symptoms appear.
- Guidance for Procedures: Often used to guide biopsies or cyst aspirations for more accurate targeting.
- Comfortable & Quick Procedure: Non-invasive, painless, and typically completed in less than 30 minutes.
By integrating high-resolution ultrasound into regular breast screening programs, healthcare providers can ensure early detection and improved treatment outcomes for breast conditions.
Ideal Candidates
High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound Screening is suitable for a broad range of women, from young adults to older individuals. It is often recommended as both a routine preventive measure and a diagnostic follow-up tool.
Ideal candidates include:
- Women with dense breast tissue where mammography may be less effective.
- Individuals with breast lumps, tenderness, or nipple discharge.
- Women with a family history of breast cancer or genetic predisposition (BRCA1/BRCA2).
- Younger women (under 40) seeking radiation-free screening.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women who cannot undergo mammography.
- Women requiring follow-up evaluation after an abnormal mammogram or breast examination.
This type of screening is an essential component of annual or biannual health check-ups, ensuring comprehensive breast health monitoring for women of all risk levels.
Possible Risks & Complications
High-resolution breast ultrasound is widely recognized as one of the safest imaging procedures available. However, as with any diagnostic tool, it has a few limitations:
- Operator Dependence: Image quality can vary depending on the experience of the sonographer.
- False Positives: Occasionally, benign findings may appear suspicious, leading to additional tests.
- Limited Microcalcification Detection: Mammography remains better for detecting tiny calcium deposits in the breast.
Despite these minor limitations, the accuracy rate of ultrasound screening continues to improve with AI-based diagnostic support and enhanced imaging resolution, particularly in modern healthcare facilities.
Techniques Used
The High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound Screening process utilizes several advanced imaging techniques to deliver precise and reliable results:
- High-Frequency Linear Transducer: Produces crystal-clear images of both superficial and deep breast tissues.
- Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluates blood flow within breast tissue, helping differentiate between benign and malignant growths.
- Elastography: Measures tissue elasticity to determine whether a mass is likely benign or cancerous.
- 3D Ultrasound Imaging: Creates three-dimensional representations for enhanced visualization of complex lesions.
- AI-Enhanced Imaging Software: Artificial intelligence algorithms assist in identifying suspicious areas and minimizing interpretation errors.
These techniques enable radiologists to achieve accurate, early diagnosis and provide personalized treatment recommendations.
Recovery & Aftercare
Since breast ultrasound screening is non-invasive, there is no downtime or recovery period required. Patients can immediately return to normal activities after the procedure.
Aftercare involves:
- Reviewing results with a radiologist or breast specialist.
- Receiving a follow-up plan, if necessary, for additional imaging or biopsy.
- Maintaining routine screening schedules every 1–2 years depending on risk level.
- Following lifestyle recommendations to support breast and hormonal health.
Healthcare providers also educate patients on self-breast examination (BSE) to enhance ongoing personal monitoring between professional screenings.
Results & Longevity
Screening results are typically available within 24–48 hours. Detailed reports are provided, often accompanied by digital imaging accessible through secure hospital portals.
The longevity of screening results depends on individual health status and risk factors. For most women, annual or biannual screening is recommended to ensure ongoing breast health. Regular ultrasound screenings can help track changes in breast tissue over time and enable early intervention if abnormalities develop.
Treatment Process
The High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound Screening process follows a simple, patient-friendly sequence:
- Consultation: The clinician reviews the patient’s history and any symptoms or concerns.
- Preparation: The patient lies comfortably on the examination table; no special preparation is needed.
- Ultrasound Imaging: The technician applies gel on the breast and moves the probe gently to capture images.
- Real-Time Observation: Images are displayed instantly, allowing for immediate assessment.
- Radiologist Review: A specialist interprets the results using AI-assisted systems for enhanced accuracy.
- Results Discussion: The findings are explained to the patient, along with recommendations for next steps.
The procedure is fast, comfortable, and completely safe, typically lasting less than half an hour.
Cost Range
The cost of High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound Screening varies depending on the facility and the use of advanced imaging technologies like 3D ultrasound or elastography.
- Standard Breast Ultrasound: ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 KRW ($110 – $220 USD)
- Advanced or 3D Ultrasound: ₩350,000 – ₩600,000 KRW ($260 – $440 USD)
- Combined Screening Package (Ultrasound + Mammogram): ₩600,000 – ₩900,000 KRW ($440 – $660 USD)
These costs are significantly more affordable compared to many Western countries while maintaining international diagnostic standards.
Popular Clinics for High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound Screening
- Samsung Medical Center Breast Imaging Department – Offers AI-assisted imaging and real-time diagnostics.
- Asan Medical Center – Provides advanced ultrasound and breast health screening packages.
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University Health System) – Known for its high-definition breast imaging and research-driven care.
- CHA Bundang Women’s Hospital – Specializes in high-resolution imaging for women with dense breasts.
- Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital – Focuses on early detection and comprehensive women’s preventive care.
