Diagnostic and interventional ultrasound for breast disease.

The availability of reliable, portable computer-enhanced ultrasonography with high-frequency transducers has improved breast ultrasonography such that its role has increased dramatically. Diagnostic characteristics of breast lesions may be used to categorize these lesions according to their relative risk for malignancy. Furthermore, breast ultrasonography may be used to guide needle aspiration and biopsy of lesions so indicated by diagnostic evaluation. Results of ultrasound-guided aspiration and core biopsy accurately diagnose specific histopathology thereby avoiding unnecessary open biopsy for benign lesions and facilitating therapeutic planning for malignant lesions.