Breast ultrasound.

Ultrasound of the breast has been demonstrated to be an extremely effective tool in the evaluation of mammographically detected breast lesions. The technique is relatively straightforward and may be learned in a relatively short time by experienced breast clinicians. It is likely that the future care of patients with diseases of the breast will continue to be increasingly dependent on image-guided breast biopsy techniques. Therefore, surgeons would do well to familiarize themselves with this modality. This is likely to streamline patient care, improve cost efficiency, and facilitate therapeutic planning. Finally, the current health care climate is likely to encourage the use of ultrasound of the breast by surgeons.