[Advantages and limitations of breast ultrasound]

Technological improvements in image quality have allowed to expand the indications for the use of breast ultrasound. This includes tumor differentiation, peroperative staging, follow-up after cancer treatment and interventional diagnosis. Up to now, only mammography has been useful for population-based screening. However, high-resolution and quality-controlled ultrasound can further improve early cancer detection. This is useful in high-risk patients and women with dense breasts who are mammographically problematic. The population-wide use of this advanced indication for breast ultrasound depends on equipment quality and investigator experience. Up to now, there has been a lack of guidelines and regulations. The implementation of quality control is essential before high-quality and effective breast ultrasound can be generally offered.