Breast Ultrasound
Definition
Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. It is commonly used to evaluate breast lumps, abnormalities detected during a mammogram, or other breast-related concerns. Breast ultrasound can help determine the nature of a lump, whether it is solid or fluid-filled, and guide further diagnostic or treatment procedures.
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Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a high-frequency soundwave that can create images from inside the body. It is a commonly ordered diagnostic imaging tool used for screening and examining organs and tissues. It is often used to assist and guide doctors performing other medical procedures, such as biopsies. An ultrasound is painless and does not expose patients to any radiation. We specialize in both screening and diagnostic vascular ultrasound, including aortic aneurysm screening and follow-up post-aneurysm repair, evaluation of vascular access complications, arterial bypass graft surveillance, renal artery stenosis, venous thrombosis, and venous reflux.We also provide evaluation of dialysis fistulas and grafts, native peripheral arteries, and peripheral arterial disease. We have recently introduced two new ultrasound clinical applications that incorporate the latest advancements in technology: Elastography to assess liver fibrosis, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver masses. Elastography to assess liver fibrosis This technique allows doctors to evaluate fibrosis in the liver while simultaneously assessing the liver with regular ultrasound to check for masses and other abnormalities. Noninvasive, image-guided elastography of the liver can accurately detect liver fibrosis, allowing patients with chronic liver disease to be safely monitored and avoid the risks associated with liver biopsy. We are also investigating elastography of lesions to determine if this technique can be used to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver masses The intravenous injection of microbubbles (tiny bubbles of gas), in combination with ultrasound, allows physicians to determine if a liver lesion is benign or malignant. This method can determine the risk of developing cancer or recurrence of a tumor in at-risk patients with cirrhosis, or those who have been treated with chemo or radiofrequency ablation for liver tumors. A relatively noninvasive procedure, this provides an alternative to the more invasive and costly computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. We also perform many other services, such as: Fine-needle aspiration of the thyroid, parathyroid, and soft tissue masses Thyroid and parathyroid imaging Lymph node mapping prior to thyroidectomy, and screening for metastatic disease after a thyroidectomy Musculoskeletal ultrasound for ligament and tendon tears and joint abnormalities Evaluation of the anal sphincter and rectal cancer staging with transrectal ultrasound using the 360° Endorectal Probe Gynecological ultrasound, including first-trimester imaging, ovarian cancer screening, sonohysterography (ultrasound of the uterus), HyCoSy (ultrasound of the fallopian tubes), and other gynecologic imaging examsSmilow Cancer Screening & Prevention Program
Cancer Screening strategies are used to identify cancers at their earliest stage, before the onset of signs and symptoms, when the disease is most easily treated or cured. Cancer Prevention strategies are used to minimize the risk of cancer occurring. The Smilow Screening & Prevention Program brings together doctors and researchers at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center who are focused on merging the best science with the best cancer prevention and screening programs. Our goal is to provide patients in Connecticut with the tools they need to stay healthy. Screening Our Program offers many different screening tests for cancer of many types. Cancer screening tests are for patients who do not have symptoms. The goal of these tests is to find cancer as early as possible, and before any symptoms appear. Some, but not all, cancer screening tests detect potential problems and allow the doctor to remove the suspicious tissue at the time of the screening. This is important as it means that patients are less likely to develop cancer later in life. Sometimes the screening test results in a finding that requires more follow-up testing. Cancer screening offers the most protection when it is done on a regular basis as recommended by physicians. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians to determine which tests they recommend based on factors including gender, age, family history, and possibly race or ethnicity. Prevention Our program offers information to help patients make choices that can maintain their health and potentially reduce their risk of cancer. It is usually not possible to know why one person develops cancer and another does not. Healthy choices help all people--whether they have a family history of cancer or not--reduce their risk of developing cancer and many other chronic diseases. Avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco, choosing a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, avoiding sitting for long periods, limiting alcohol, protecting skin and eyes from the sun and tanning beds are all key elements of healthy living. Following physician advice on regular cancer screening is also critical to long-term health. Types of cancer screening Click on the links below for more information on these specific cancer screening tests at Smilow Cancer Hospital: Lung Cancer Colorectal Cancer Breast Cancer Prostate Cancer Cervical Cancer Skin Cancer Head & Neck CancerRadiology & Biomedical Imaging
We are committed to providing patient-focused, evidence-based care to all of our patients, pairing clinical expertise with the latest advances in technology. We offer a comprehensive range of imaging services, and tailor each exam to meet each patient’s specific needs. Our board-certified doctors are national and international leaders in diagnostic imaging and advanced image-guided therapies, and they are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care in patient safety, quality, and satisfaction. We employ a multidisciplinary approach to care, and collaborate with physicians from all medical specialties to make the most accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment options. Yale patients have access to highly advanced imaging equipment, including an intraoperative MRI/IR/OR suite, and 3D tomosynthesis. Our radiologists conduct advanced research in MRI, MRS, PET, interventional oncology, and image processing. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Abdominal imaging Breast imaging Cardiovascular imaging Emergency and trauma radiology Neuroradiology Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging (including PET/CT) Pediatric radiology Thoracic imaging Vascular/interventional radiology Rapid, in-house subspecialist imaging interpretations Overnight coverage by three in-house attending radiologists at Yale New Haven Hospital Leader in 3D tomosynthesis mammography imaging and research Leader in screening breast ultrasound Comprehensive multidisciplinary lung cancer screening program with ultra-low-dose CT scanning Cardiac CoreValue planning service, providing a minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation option for patients with severe aortic stenosis MRI for pacemaker patients Ultrasound contrast and elastography imaging Dedicated peripheral vascular ultrasound Integrated musculoskeletal ultrasound device Subspecialized pediatric interventional radiology expertise Recognized expertise in management of primary and secondary liver cancer Molecular imaging for recurrent prostate cancer and the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease Advanced tumor imaging for optimizing best treatment outcomes DaTscan, a diagnostic test for Parkinson’s Disease Portable neuro Intensive Care Unit (ICU) computed tomography (CT) scanning Interventional radiology with state-of-the-art minimally invasive image-guided therapy, including targeted and precision cancer treatments, back pain treatment, and biliary stone laser treatment, among others