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Breast Ultrasound Screening for Dense Breast Tissue
About 40% of women have dense breasts, meaning glandular and connective tissue appear white on a mammogram. Cancer also appears white, which can make tumors harder to spot in dense tissue. Dense breast ultrasound screening with ABUS adds whole-breast imaging to your screening pathway, helping radiologists see through dense tissue and catch cancers earlier. Studies show the Invenia ABUS 2.0 detects 55% more invasive cancers in dense breasts when used together with mammography.
What Is ABUS?
ABUS stands for Automated Breast Ultrasound. The Invenia ABUS ultrasound is a 3D imaging system designed specifically for supplemental breast screening in women with dense breast tissue. Unlike handheld ultrasound, ABUS uses a large curved transducer that scans the entire breast automatically, producing volumetric images a radiologist can review in three planes. It uses no radiation and no compression, only sound waves. The exam is FDA-approved as an adjunct to mammography for dense breast screening.
How Does It Work?
You lie comfortably on your back. A trained technologist applies a small amount of lotion to your chest, then positions the curved ABUS transducer over each breast. The system automatically scans your entire breast in about 15 minutes total. You may hear soft mechanical sounds during the scan. There is no radiation, no needles, and no painful compression. The volumetric data is sent to a board-certified radiologist for radiologist interpretation in three planes.
Why ABUS Is Used After a Mammogram
Mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer screening, but mammographic sensitivity drops in women with dense breast tissue. Cancer and dense tissue both appear white on a mammogram, making small tumors harder to spot. Supplemental ultrasound after mammogram with ABUS adds a second look at the entire breast using sound waves, which see through dense tissue differently than X-ray. That is why a radiologist or referring physician may recommend ABUS as a mammogram dense breast follow-up, especially after a normal mammogram in dense breasts.
Screening ABUS vs. Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound
A screening ABUS is performed when you have no symptoms but have dense breast tissue and want a closer look beyond your mammogram. It scans the entire breast in 3D. A diagnostic breast ultrasound is targeted: it focuses on a specific lump, area of concern, or abnormality found on another imaging test. Both are radiation-free and performed by ARDMS-certified sonographers, but they serve different purposes. Your physician or our radiologist will recommend the right one based on your situation.
Who May Need a 3D Breast ABUS Ultrasound?
ABUS is recommended for asymptomatic women who:
● Have heterogeneously dense breasts or extremely dense breasts on a recent mammogram
● Received a BI-RADS Category C or D breast density classification
● Want additional screening beyond mammography for peace of mind
● Have a family or personal history of breast cancer combined with dense tissue
● Were told their mammogram was harder to interpret due to dense tissue
● Ovarian and uterine abnormalities, including fibroids and cysts
● Prefer a radiation-free supplemental screening option
If you are unsure whether ABUS is right for you, our team can review your prior mammogram report and help you decide.
What Happens During the ABUS Exam
After checking in, you will change into a gown and lie face-up on the exam table. A technologist places a small amount of lotion on your chest and gently positions the ABUS transducer over one breast at a time. Each scan takes about 5 to 7 minutes per breast. You will be asked to hold still and breathe normally. The whole exam, including check-in and dressing, usually takes about 30 minutes. There is no pinching, squeezing, or radiation exposure.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
No fasting or special preparation is needed. Skip deodorant, lotion, and powder on your chest the day of your exam, as residues can interfere with the scan. Wear a two-piece outfit so you can change easily. Bring any prior breast imaging, your insurance card, photo ID, and a referral if you have one.
How Your Breast Ultrasound Results
Are Reviewed
Every ABUS scan is reviewed by a board-certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. The volumetric images are evaluated in multiple planes for any abnormalities. A full radiologist breast ultrasound report is sent to your referring provider within 24 hours, and STAT reads are available for urgent cases.
When Additional Breast Imaging May Be Needed
If the radiologist sees something that needs a closer look, you may be asked to return for a targeted breast ultrasound, diagnostic mammography, or breast MRI. Most additional imaging shows the finding is benign. If a biopsy is recommended, our team will coordinate referrals to a breast specialist for image-guided biopsy.
Insurance Coverage &
Flexible Payment Options
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ABUS coverage varies by insurance plan. We accept Medicare, most PPO and HMO plans, and offer transparent cash-pay pricing for uninsured or out-of-network patients. Our front-office team handles insurance verification and confirms your costs before your appointment. California law requires insurers to notify patients about dense breast tissue, though coverage for supplemental imaging differs by plan.
3D Breast Ultrasound at
Urgent Diagnostic Imaging Center in Glendale
Our Glendale breast imaging center combines the latest Invenia ABUS 2.0 technology with ARDMS-certified sonographers and board-certified radiologists who specialize in breast imaging. Patients choose us because we offer same-day appointments, accept walk-ins, deliver reports within 24 hours, and provide an alternative to long waits at hospital-based imaging centers. Whether your OB/GYN referred you or you want supplemental screening on your own, we make breast ultrasound access fast, comfortable, and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 3D Breast ABUS Ultrasound
Is ABUS the same as a mammogram?
No. A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to take 2D or 3D images of breast tissue. ABUS uses sound waves to create 3D images of the entire breast. ABUS is a supplement to mammography, not a replacement.
Most often because your mammogram showed heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts, which can hide small cancers. ABUS gives your radiologist a second view using a different imaging technology.
Why was ABUS recommended after my mammogram?
Does ABUS use radiation?
No. ABUS uses only sound waves, which is why it can be safely repeated and is suitable for women of any age.
No. There is no compression, no pinching, and no needles. You may feel light pressure from the transducer, but most patients describe the exam as comfortable.
Is ABUS painful?
How long does the exam take?
About 15 minutes for the actual scan, and roughly 30 minutes total from check-in to leaving.
Schedule Same-Day 3D Breast ABUS Ultrasound in Glendale
Take the next step in your breast health. Call our breast imaging center Glendale team, book online, or walk in to schedule your 3D breast ultrasound Glendale appointment today. Radiation-free, comfortable, and read by board-certified radiologists who specialize in breast imaging.