Three-dimensional ultrasonography for breast malignancy detection

Breast ultrasound is used not only to differentiate a solid breast mass from a cyst and to assist in guided biopsy, but also to classify benign and malignant lesions, with good resolution gray-scale imaging equipped with color Doppler adequate for daily clinical practice in most circumstances.

This article critically reviews three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound for the detection of breast malignancies in comparison with the popular two-dimensional ultrasound, highlighting the advantages it has over other imaging modalities as well as the drawbacks that are presented. In particular, the article looks at how 3D ultrasound planes help us to define more clearly the margins, that is, microlobulation and papillomas, of breast tumors. This paper also highlights how the resolution and multiple planes of 3D ultrasound can clearly demonstrate skin tumor infiltration for evaluation and how it can be used for planning, monitoring and treatment of breast cancer.

As with any new technology, 3D ultrasound has a learning curve and clinicians will need to master the technology in order to use this tool to its full potential. Although 3D ultrasound does have its limitations, a better understanding of its settings along with the optimization of image acquisition and a better ability to manipulate data during analysis will lead to 3D ultrasound becoming a useful tool for breast malignancy detection.