breast cancer screening
Screening Ultrasound for Early Detection
Did you know that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime? (source)
This makes being proactive about your breast health critical. HerScan’s breast ultrasound screening is a comfortable, compression-free exam that uses sound waves (not radiation) to scan both breasts and the underarm area for abnormalities.
An ultrasound screening can be used alongside routine mammography, especially if you have dense breast tissue (approximately half of women do). In women with dense breasts, adding ultrasound to mammography increased breast cancer detection rates up to 96%.
Screens breast tissue and the underarm (axilla) area
A complete screening ultrasound surveys both breasts and the axilla to look for abnormalities, often before you can feel anything.
Critical for dense breast tissue
Breast ultrasound is commonly used as a supplemental screening option because dense tissue can reduce the visibility of some findings on mammography.
Compression free and generally comfortable
During your appointment, a probe glides over both breasts and the axilla area, no compression required.
No radiation
Breast ultrasound provides real-time breast imaging without exposure to ionizing radiation, making it an easy choice for additional evaluation or peace of mind, especially when repeat imaging is needed.
High accuracy for implant surveillance
In studies, ultrasound showed ~90.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity for silicone implant rupture detection
.svg){kind=icon}
Evaluates symptoms and “quiet” changes
Many breast changes can develop without obvious symptoms. Ultrasound can help assess areas of concern, even if you’re not sure what you’re feeling.
-1.png)
Breast Screening Using Ultrasound Technology
Combining ultrasound with mammography can increase breast cancer detection rates up to 96%
Many breast changes develop quietly. Ultrasound helps screen breast tissue and the underarm region, even if you don’t feel symptoms. It’s also a common next step when you want a closer look at something you’ve noticed, or when you’ve been told you have dense breasts and want supplemental screening.
Screening vs. Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound
Screening ultrasounds routinely check for early signs of concern
Diagnostic ultrasounds take a closer look at specific areas when something needs further evaluation
HerScan ultrasounds are not a diagnostic tool. Rather, they add another layer of imaging to look at alongside your annual mammogram
Screening ultrasound may detect smaller invasive cancers not visible on mammography, especially in women with dense breasts
Breast Cancer Rates Are Rising in Younger Women
Breast cancer can affect any woman, but about 5% to 10% of cases are hereditary
Women with dense breasts may have about a 1.2- to 2-fold higher risk of developing breast cancer compared with women who have average breast density
NIH analyses of U.S. cancer trends also show breast cancer is among the cancers with rising incidence in people under 50
When breast cancer is found earlier, treatment options are often less extensive and outcomes are better
1) Cysts and fluid-related findings
Fluid-filled areas are common and often benign.
What ultrasound can show:
- Simple cysts (typically benign-appearing)
- Complex or complicated cystic areas that may need additional evaluation
- Fluid collections related to inflammation or infection
2) Solid masses and tissue changes
Ultrasound can help characterize a palpable lump or an area of concern.
What ultrasound can show:
- Size, shape, and margins of a mass
- Whether a finding appears more consistent with benign patterns or needs follow-up
- Tissue distortion or localized changes that warrant additional imaging
3) Underarm (axillary) assessment
The axilla is an important region to include in screening and symptom evaluation.
What ultrasound can show:
- Lymph node appearance and patterns that may need follow-up
- Localized swelling or tenderness-related findings (when present)
A high-frequency probe is used to survey the breast systematically in multiple planes, including targeted views of any area you want checked—plus the underarm region.