ultrasound breast cancer vs cyst

Release time ：Nov-08,2024

Breast cancer and breast cysts exhibit distinct features on ultrasound imaging. Typically, breast cysts manifest as well-delineated, regularly shaped anechoic (dark) areas filled with fluid, while breast cancer may present as solid masses with irregular borders and varied shapes.

Breast cysts, which are generally benign, contain fluid and thus appear as characteristic anechoic regions during ultrasound. The margins of these cysts are often smooth and well-defined, with sizes ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Conversely, breast cancer, a malignant tumor, is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, resulting in tumors with irregular shapes and indistinct margins. On ultrasound, breast cancer may appear as hypoechoic (darker) or anechoic areas, but it can also contain calcifications or other abnormal structures that aid physicians in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.

While ultrasound is a crucial diagnostic tool for breast lesions, it cannot definitively ascertain their nature. Therefore, if an ultrasound identifies a suspicious breast lesion, additional tests such as a biopsy or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often necessary to establish a diagnosis. Patients who detect any breast abnormalities should promptly seek medical attention and adhere to their physician's recommendations for further investigation and treatment.