Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)

Over 40% of women in the United States have dense breast tissue, which can mask the appearance of tumors and limit the performance of mammography. Since mammography has limited visibility in women with dense breast tissue, screening dense breasts with ultrasound, in addition to mammography, may improve the likelihood of detecting cancer. While Mammography is still the gold standard for breast imaging and detecting breast cancer, ABUS or Automated Breast Ultrasound is now used in conjunction with Mammography for women with category C or D dense breast tissue to aid in early detection.

On September 10, 2024 a federal mandate went into effect on breast density notification. This mandate, part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), requires healthcare providers to notify women of their breast density. At Grand River Health, we are proudly offering patients the Invenia ABUS System. Invenia ABUS is indicated in addition to mammography for breast cancer screening in asymptomatic women for whom screening mammography is normal or benign (BIRADS Assessment Category 1 or 2), with dense breast tissue (Category C or D density). The device is intended to increase breast cancer detection in the described patient population.

What makes the Invenia ABUS a valuable screening tool?

While Mammography is still the gold standard for breast cancer screening, the Invenia ABUS system is the only FDA ultrasound device approved for breast cancer screening in the United States as an adjunct to mammography for asymptomatic women with dense breast tissue.

What is the problem that Invenia ABUS is helping to solve?

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is used as supplemental imaging to compliment your Mammogram, not replace it. When used in addition to Mammography, ABUS increases the sensitivity in detecting breast cancer in patients with dense breast tissue by 57%. ABUS uses non-ionizing radiation to image the breast. It offers automated volumetric 3D ultrasound to scan the entire breast.

Following your Mammogram, your breast density will be included in your mammography report. If you are a category C or D density, then it will be recommended in your mammography report to have an automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) as a supplemental screening in addition to your mammogram. When your provider orders an automated breast ultrasound (ABUS), you will be able to schedule your exam in the radiology department. An ABUS exam takes approximately 15 minutes, and produces 3D ultrasound imaging that will be sent to the radiologist for interpretation.