Breast Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is an advanced ultrasound technique that helps improve breast cancer detection by measuring the stiffness of the breast tissue. Unlike traditional ultrasound, which focuses on the visual appearance of lesions, SWE quantitatively assesses the tissue’s mechanical properties, offering a more in-depth analysis that can help distinguish between benign and malignant tumors. This non-invasive technique is especially useful for evaluating palpable masses and abnormalities detected in mammograms and sonograms, particularly in women with dense breast tissue where mammography may not be as effective.

How Breast Shear Wave Elastography Works:
SWE works by using acoustic radiation force to generate shear waves within the breast tissue. The speed at which these waves travel through the tissue is then measured. Stiffer tissue, often linked to malignancy, allows the waves to travel faster compared to softer, benign tissue. The ultrasound system processes these measurements and creates a color-coded elastogram that shows the stiffness of the tissue, providing additional information alongside conventional ultrasound images.

Benefits of Breast Shear Wave Elastography:

• Enhanced Diagnostic Precision: By providing a quantitative measure of tissue stiffness, SWE helps differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, reducing unnecessary biopsies and patient anxiety.
• Objective Measurements: SWE offers measurable data, unlike strain elastography, which provides a qualitative assessment. This allows for consistent interpretation across different practitioners and medical facilities.
• Improved Detection in Dense Breasts: For women with dense breast tissue, where mammography may be less reliable, SWE provides an extra layer of diagnostic detail, improving the chances of detecting cancers that might otherwise be missed.
• Non-Invasive and Safe: SWE is a painless, non-invasive procedure that doesn’t involve radiation, making it safe for repeated use throughout the monitoring process.

Clinical Uses of Breast Shear Wave Elastography:

• Characterizing Breast Lesions: SWE helps assess the nature of breast lesions found through physical exams or other imaging methods, aiding decisions about whether a biopsy or further tests are necessary.
• Monitoring Treatment Response: For women undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, SWE can track changes in tumor stiffness, offering early insights into how well the treatment is working.
• Supplementing Mammography and Ultrasound: SWE enhances the information provided by mammograms and ultrasounds, especially in cases where previous imaging results are inconclusive, helping to clarify diagnoses.