What is an Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)?
Invenia ABUS is an FDA-approved system for breast cancer screening when used in combination with mammography in women who have dense breast tissue. ABUS stands for Automated Breast Ultrasound System and is designed to improve cancer detection in dense breasts, where traditional mammograms may miss certain abnormalities. Our experts use this advanced technology to capture detailed 3D ultrasound images of the entire breast, providing a more comprehensive view and helping us detect cancer earlier and more accurately.
Breast Density – What Does it Mean?
Breasts are composed of both fat and breast tissue. When there is more breast tissue than fat, the breast is considered dense. Breast density is determined by the radiologist who reads your mammogram and is categorized into four levels:
- A – Almost entirely fatty
- B – Scattered fibroglandular densities
- C – Heterogeneously dense (considered dense)
- D – Extremely dense (considered dense)
Categories C and D are considered dense breasts. Approximately 40% of women have dense breast tissue. This is important because on a mammogram, both dense tissue and potential abnormalities appear white, which can make it harder to detect cancer. In contrast, when ultrasound is used, dense tissue appears white while suspicious masses appear black—making them easier to detect. That’s why combining mammography with ultrasound imaging can significantly improve cancer detection in dense breasts—by as much as 35.7%, nearly doubling the detection rate compared to mammography alone.
Talk to your Madison Health provider about your breast density and whether you may benefit from an ABUS screening.
