Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is an ultrasound examination of the breast that detects small cancers that standard mammography does not see. It is NOT a replacement for annual mammogram screenings. Studies show that an ABUS examination in conjunction with a mammogram can find more cancers in women with dense breast than mammography alone. This is a painless examination that takes less than 30 minutes to complete and has no radiation or compression.
*If your mammogram shows you have dense breasts, you may want to consider Automated Breast Ultrasound in addition to your annual mammogram.
Preparation and what to expect during the procedure:
- Please check with your insurance provider or contact us prior to your appointment to see if this exam is covered under your plan.
- No preparation is required for this exam.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is recommended to get ABUS?
Women with heterogeneously dense and extremely dense breast tissue benefit most from ABUS.If I get a 3D mammogram, do I need an ABUS?
An ABUS is meant to be complementary to a mammogram and should not be used to replace your annual screening mammogram.Does ABUS see different information than 3D mammography?
Yes, ABUS and mammography use different technologies to detect breast cancer. For example, calcifications (potential early stage of breast cancer) can only be seen on your mammogram, while it is easier to spot masses in women with extremely dense breast tissue using ABUS.Can I alternate ABUS and 2D/3D mammograms?
RDC recommends annual mammography. There are no national guidelines for ABUS at this time. RDC recommends discussing with your doctor to decide if ABUS is needed in conjunction with your annual mammogram for breast cancer screening.