The role of ultrasound in breast imaging.

Sonography has become an important tool for evaluating breast abnormalities, including inflammatory processes, hematomas, ductal ectasia, cysts and solid lesions. This article describes protocols for ultrasound imaging of the breast and the sonographic appearance of common breast conditions, with particular attention to differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Ultrasound's role in interventional breast procedures and radiation therapy planning also are discussed.