Indications for and comparative diagnostic value of combined ultrasound and X-ray mammography.

A standardised method of ultrasound mammography is described. In order to achieve the same position, form, and shape of the breast as during röntgen mammography a Lucite plate in horizontal, and vertical position is used. Ultrasound contact scanning of the whole breast is carried out in cranio-caudal as well as in medio-lateral direction of the ultrasound beam. Ultrasound scanning is performed with the compression of the breast corresponding to the compression during röntgen mammography. It was found that the ultrasound breast examination combined with X-ray mammography optimizes the differentiation benign and malignant masses and therefore may reduce the incidence of breast biopsy. A combined use of both examination modalities in the evaluation of the breast is advocated.