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Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of breast tissue and can be used to determine if a lump is solid (tumor) or fluid (cyst). It is also used to see lumps not clear on a mammogram or as a means of guiding a biopsy procedure.

A breast ultrasound can image all areas of the breast and surrounding area and is particularly useful in imaging the area closest to the chest wall which can be difficult to capture with a mammogram.

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is available at our CWIC and 109 Street locations, subject to specific patient criteria. If you have dense breasts or need additional screening, ABUS may be recommended by your healthcare provider in combination with Mammography.

What is ABUS?
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is an advanced imaging technology designed to improve breast cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue. Unlike traditional hand-held ultrasounds, ABUS provides a 3D, high-resolution scan of the entire breast, allowing radiologists to review detailed layers of tissue.
Why is ABUS important?
Over 40% of women have dense breasts, which can make it harder for mammograms to detect cancer. When combined with mammography, ABUS has been shown to improve cancer detection rates by 35.7%. It provides a more comprehensive view of the breast, increasing accuracy.
What can you expect during your ABUS appointment?
After you change, the technologist will have you lie down, turned onto your side with your arm raised. A gel or lotion will be applied, and the scanner will press against your breast to capture images. This process will be repeated as needed to ensure complete imaging of the entire breast before moving on to the other side.
Benefits of ABUS:
  • Thorough Detection: When combined with mammography ABUS helps to find cancers that may be hidden in dense breast tissue.
  • Comfortable & Quick: The scan is customized to patient comfort and takes about 15-20 minutes.

Breast Ultrasound is routinely performed on women who:

  • are under the age of 40,
  • are not able to have a mammogram (such as during pregnancy)
  • have breast implants or
  • have dense breasts.

Breast ultrasound can also be used to screen for breast cancer in women with high risk factors.

Exam Duration

20 Minutes – 60 Minutes

Breast Ultrasound Pricing

Covered by Alberta Health Care.