Ultrasound Assessment of the Female Breast

Sonography Fundamentals

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

This module teaches you how to prepare for and perform an ultrasound examination of the breast.

This module teaches you how to prepare for and perform an ultrasound examination of the breast. The interactive simulator provides three scenarios that cover different types of scans. Online simulations enable students and practitioners to build or refresh knowledge and cognitive skills, and a safe practice environment so you can prepare for the real clinical world You can also use simulations to try out procedures that you might not otherwise experience. This module is ideal if you are studying for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) registry exams.

You’ll learn

to better visualize and understand the anatomy and physiology of the breast, with our 3D model and illustrations
about the various diagnostic pathways that may lead to a sonographic breast examination, and how the ultrasound findings are correlated with other imaging modalities
to practice, perfect and test your skills in performing an ultrasound scan of the breast, step-by-step
how to prepare and position your patient for an ultrasound scan of the breast
sonographic breast scanning protocols, including the clock and quadrant methods, and targeted examinations based on mammographic findings
how to identify on sonographic images of benign and malignant features and common breast pathologies
to describe the technique for prostate biopsy and radiation seed implantation
much more (see “Content Details” for more specific information).

Introduction

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Equipment preparation

Step 1.2 - Patient preparation

Step 1.3 - Operator preparation

Step 2 - Expose the chest and apply gel

Step 3 - Select the transducer

Step 4 - Commence the breast scanning protocol

Step 4.1 - Patient position

Step 4.2 - Scan planes

Step 4.2.1 - Radial scan plane

Step 4.2.2 - Anti-radial scan plane

Step 4.2.3 - Transverse scan plane

Step 4.2.4 - Longitudinal (sagittal) scan plane

Step 4.3 - Standard breast protocol image requirements

Step 4.3.1 - Clock method

Step 4.3.2 - Quadrant method

Step 4.3.3 - Targeted breast examination

Step 4.4 - Annotations required

Step 4.5 - Troubleshooting

Step 5 - Scan the breast

Step 5.1 - Clock method

Step 5.1.1 - Scan the breast in the radial plane

Step 5.1.2 - Scan the breast in the anti-radial plane

Step 5.2 - Quadrant method

Step 5.2.1 - Scan the breast in the longitudinal plane

Step 5.2.2 - Scan the breast in the transverse plane

Step 5.2.3 - Obtain representative images from each quadrant

Step 5.3 - Targeted examination

Step 5.3.1 - Scan the quadrant in the longitudinal plane

Step 5.3.2 - Scan the quadrant in the transverse plane

Step 5.4 - Sonographic features of a normal breast

Step 5.5 - Sonographic features of breast variants

Step 6 - Scan the nipple and sub-areolar tissue

Step 6.1 - Scan the nipple and areola in the longitudinal and transverse planes

Step 6.2 - Sonographic features of the nipple and sub-areolar tissue

Step 7 - Scan the axilla

Step 7.1 - Scan the axilla in the longitudinal plane

Step 7.2 - Scan the axilla in the transverse plane

Step 8 - Biopsy techniques

Step 8.1 - Preparation

Step 8.1.1 - Equipment

Step 8.1.2 - Patient

Step 8.1.3 - Operator

Step 8.2 - Techniques

Step 8.2.1 - Aspiration of cysts

Step 8.2.2 - Fine-needle aspiration cytology

Step 8.2.3 - Drainage procedures

Step 8.2.4 - Large-core needle biopsy

Step 8.2.5 - Vacuum-assisted needle biopsy

Step 8.2.6 - Pre-operative needle (wire) localization

Step 8.2.7 - Open (surgical) biopsy

Step 8.2.8 - Sentinel node biopsy

Step 9 - Complete the procedure

Identify the anatomy and explain the physiology of the breast on diagrams and sonograms.
Describe and demonstrate the protocol for sonographic scanning of the breast, including the clock and quadrant methods, and targeted examinations based on mammographic findings.
Describe the various diagnostic pathways that may lead to a sonographic breast examination, and explain how the ultrasound findings are correlated with other imaging modalities.
Identify and describe sonographic images of benign and malignant features and common breast pathologies.
Explain biopsy techniques for breast tumors.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA) and Patient Safety Act

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long