Breast, Thyroid Screening

Overview

The Breast, Thyroid Screening center at Gangnam Heartscan Healthcare Center provides specialized diagnostic imaging for breast and thyroid conditions using digital mammography and high-frequency Color Doppler ultrasound. Interpreted by Chief Medical Director Dr. Seonghak Park and our multidisciplinary team of 16 board-certified specialists across Diagnostic Radiology, Internal Medicine, and Obstetrics & Gynecology, our screening protocols prioritize early lesion characterization, microcalcification detection, and structured BI-RADS and TI-RADS reporting. View our full clinical faculty in the Medical Staff Directory.

Key Diagnostic Screening Programs

• Breast Screening (Mammography & Ultrasound): Dual-modality breast imaging combining low-dose digital mammography for microcalcifications with high-resolution breast ultrasound for dense glandular tissue, cysts, fibroadenomas, and solid nodules.
• Thyroid Screening (Thyroid Ultrasound): High-frequency neck and thyroid Color Doppler ultrasound assessing thyroid nodules, parenchymal echogenicity, thyroiditis, cysts, and cervical lymph nodes.

Clinical Diagnostic Summary Table

Parameter / Examination	Clinical Purpose	Preparation / Protocol
Digital Mammography	Detects ductal microcalcifications, architectural distortion, and early breast lesions	Avoid deodorant, powder, or lotion on chest/underarms; schedule 1 week after menstruation
High-Resolution Breast Ultrasound	Differentiates cystic versus solid nodules, especially in dense breast parenchyma	No fasting required; radiation-free bilateral breast and axillary scan
Thyroid & Cervical Doppler Ultrasound	Evaluates thyroid nodules (TI-RADS), diffuse thyroid disease, and cervical lymph nodes	No fasting required; remove necklaces and collar accessories prior to scan
Combined Dual-Modality Breast Review	Correlates mammographic and sonographic findings under standardized BI-RADS criteria	Bring prior mammogram or ultrasound images if available for interval comparison

Preparation & Examination Flow

1. Clinical History & Risk Review: Assessment of family history of breast or thyroid disease, hormonal therapy, prior biopsies, and palpable symptoms.
2. Digital Mammography Acquisition: Standardized craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views with controlled breast compression for image clarity.
3. High-Frequency Ultrasound Evaluation: Real-time B-mode and Color Doppler examination of breast tissue, axillary lymph nodes, and the thyroid gland.
4. Specialist Radiological Consultation: Structured BI-RADS and TI-RADS classification review and follow-up coordination through our Consultation & Inquiry Desk.

Important Clinical Considerations

• Women who are pregnant, suspect they may be pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding should notify the medical team in advance so radiation-free breast ultrasound can be prioritized over X-ray mammography.
• Scheduling breast screening approximately 5–10 days after the onset of menstruation helps minimize hormone-related breast tenderness during mammographic compression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Digital Mammography and Breast Ultrasound often performed together?

Digital mammography is highly sensitive for detecting tiny calcium deposits (microcalcifications) that can indicate early ductal changes, whereas breast ultrasound excels at visualizing non-calcified masses and cysts hidden within dense fibroglandular breast tissue, making the combined approach clinically complementary.

Does a thyroid nodule detected on Thyroid Ultrasound always require a biopsy?

No, the majority of thyroid nodules detected on high-resolution ultrasound are benign colloid cysts or hyperplastic nodules. Radiologists classify each nodule using standardized TI-RADS criteria based on size, margins, echogenicity, and microcalcifications to determine whether periodic ultrasound surveillance or fine-needle aspiration is indicated.