Screening Breast Ultrasound: Where Are We Today?

In this article, we will review the current recommendations for screening breast ultrasound along with its role as an adjunct to mammography and as a primary screening tool. We will discuss the most recent literature pertaining to breast ultrasound screening in high-risk, intermediate-risk, and average-risk women and compare it with other breast screening modalities including breast MRI, tomosynthesis or 3D mammography, and automated breast ultrasound. The current obstacles to screening breast ultrasound’s more widespread implementation will also be covered in our discussion. These will include ultrasound’s high false positive rate when compared to mammography, overdiagnosis, and cost-effectiveness. Our target audience encompasses breast surgeons, oncologists, and breast radiologists with an interest in screening breast ultrasound.