Breast Screening (Mammography & Ultrasound)

Procedure Overview

Breast Screening (Mammography & Ultrasound) at Gangnam Heartscan Healthcare Center combines low-dose digital mammography and high-resolution breast Color Doppler ultrasound within our Breast, Thyroid Screening department. Interpreted by Chief Medical Director Dr. Seonghak Park and our multidisciplinary clinical team of 16 board-certified specialists, this dual-modality protocol is specifically designed to detect both ductal microcalcifications and non-calcified masses inside dense fibroglandular breast tissue using standardized BI-RADS reporting.

Clinical Indications

• Routine preventive breast cancer screening for asymptomatic adult women
• Dual-modality evaluation of dense breast parenchyma where mammography alone has reduced sensitivity
• Diagnostic workup of a palpable breast lump, localized breast pain, nipple discharge, or skin/nipple retraction
• Interval follow-up of benign breast cysts, fibroadenomas, or prior BI-RADS Category 3 findings, frequently paired with Thyroid Screening (Thyroid Ultrasound)

Clinical Examination Summary Table

Parameter / Examination	Clinical Purpose	Preparation / Protocol
Bilateral Digital Mammography (CC & MLO Views)	Detects early ductal microcalcifications and architectural asymmetry	Do not apply deodorant, talcum powder, or body lotion to chest or underarms
High-Frequency Breast & Axillary Ultrasound	Characterizes cystic vs. solid nodules within dense glandular tissue and axillary nodes	Radiation-free bilateral ultrasound; no fasting required
Standardized BI-RADS Integrated Report	Combines mammographic and sonographic findings for clear follow-up guidance	Optimal scheduling 5–10 days after onset of menstruation to minimize tenderness

How the Screening Works

1. Clinical History & Prior Image Review: Verification of menstrual cycle timing, hormonal medications, family history, and any prior breast imaging records.
2. Low-Dose Digital Mammography: Standard craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique projections are obtained with brief, controlled compression to ensure sharp tissue resolution at low radiation dose.
3. High-Resolution Breast & Axillary Ultrasound: Bilateral whole-breast and axillary lymph node ultrasound is performed, followed by specialist consultation scheduling via our Consultation & Inquiry Desk.

Preparation & Precautions

• Refrain from applying antiperspirant, deodorant, powder, or lotion under the arms or on the breasts on the day of your exam, as microscopic metallic particles can mimic microcalcifications on mammograms.
• Women who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding must notify clinical staff prior to the exam so radiation-free breast ultrasound is performed without X-ray mammography.
• Patients with breast implants should inform the technologist in advance so specialized implant-displaced mammographic views and ultrasound techniques can be applied safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is breast ultrasound particularly important for women with dense breast tissue?

On an X-ray mammogram, dense fibroglandular breast tissue appears white, which can mask non-calcified solid nodules that also appear white. High-frequency breast ultrasound penetrates dense glandular tissue without radiation, clearly distinguishing fluid-filled benign cysts from solid breast lesions.

Why should deodorant and body powder be avoided before a digital mammogram?

Many deodorants, antiperspirants, and body powders contain microscopic aluminum or mineral particles that appear as tiny bright white specks on high-resolution digital mammography, closely resembling ductal microcalcifications and potentially causing unnecessary repeat imaging.