In a recent post Dr. Bard, a board certified radiologist and expert in advanced ultrasound technologies, is sharing news of how advanced ultrasound and Doppler imaging are transforming male breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.
He highlights how modern imaging—especially high-resolution ultrasound and Doppler-based vascular imaging—is revolutionizing the care of male breast cancer, a disease often overlooked due to societal bias and lack of awareness. Unlike mammography, which is rarely used in men for screening unless there is genetic predisposition, ultrasound is now the primary tool for evaluating male breast symptoms, distinguishing benign from malignant growths, and guiding further intervention.
Doppler ultrasound, in particular, maps blood flow within lesions, helping to identify aggressive tumors by their increased vascularity – tumors recruit their own blood vessels to fuel their rapid growth. This technology allows for real-time, non-invasive assessment, immediate evaluation of suspicious areas, and precise targeting for biopsies, reducing the risk of complications.
Imaging also plays a crucial role in monitoring treatment, from minimally invasive procedures like HIFU and cryoablation to slower therapies such as hormone or radiation treatment. By tracking changes in tumor blood flow, clinicians can objectively measure treatment effectiveness and adjust care as needed.
Beyond cancer detection, ultrasound helps identify post-surgical complications and differentiate between benign and malignant findings, offering a comprehensive diagnostic pathway. The integration of these advanced imaging techniques is shifting male breast cancer care toward earlier detection, more personalized treatment, and better outcomes.
During my own breast cancer journey ultrasound was important for confirmation of the original mammogram, as well as guiding the biopsy. However, it was conventional ultrasound (this was 12 years ago) and so I am excited to see how these new approaches shape the clinical management of breast cancer in men.
Dr. Bard runs a private consulting practice in New York City – Bard Cancer Diagnostics.