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A Smarter Way to See Through Density
Detecting cancer through dense breast tissue is challenging! Dense breast tissue and cancers show up as white on a mammogram, making it easy for cancer to hide. At Derry Imaging, we’ve invested in GE’s Invenia ABUS 2.0, an advanced ultrasound system designed specifically to detect cancers hidden in dense tissue, giving women greater confidence in screening results.
What Is Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening (ABUS)?
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is a safe, fast, and non-invasive advanced imaging test designed for women with dense breast tissue. It helps radiologists detect abnormalities that a mammogram may miss, offering a more complete picture of your breast health.
- Who Should Get ABUS?
ABUS is recommended as a supplemental screening for women with dense breast tissue category C or D. It works alongside—not instead of—a mammogram to increase the chances of early cancer detection. - Why It Matters
Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer, and dense tissue makes it harder for mammograms to detect tumors. Because both dense tissue and tumors appear white on a mammogram, cancers can easily be hidden. ABUS improves visibility, helping to detect cancers that traditional mammography might miss. - Where It’s Offered
Derry Imaging offers ABUS at our Bedford, Concord, and Derry locations for your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Screening mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer detection, but for women with dense breast tissue or a high risk patient, it may not be enough.
Breast density cannot be determined by palpation or by appearance of the breasts on exam – it can only be determined by evaluating a mammogram. The radiologist determines your breast density assessment at the time of your mammographic interpretation.
Mammography is still the gold standard. Supplemental imaging with a screening breast ultrasound (ABUS) is meant to complement mammography, not replace it.
Invenia ABUS uses 3D ultrasound technology to comfortably and quickly image women with dense breast tissue. Each exam takes approximately 15-20 minutes and is typically scheduled after your annual mammogram.
Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 1296 into law May 31. The measure eliminates patient out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging.
NH Supplemental Screening, effective 1/1/2025: “No group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage, that provides benefits with respect to screening and diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations furnished to an individual enrolled under such plan or coverage, shall impose any cost-sharing requirements for such services.” “Supplemental breast examination” means a medically necessary and appropriate examination of the breast, including such an examination using breast magnetic resonance imaging, or breast ultrasound, that is: (1) Used to screen for breast cancer when there is no abnormality seen or suspected; and (2) Based on personal or family medical history, or additional factors that may increase the individual’s risk of breast cancer.
*Please note, out-of-state, federal, and employer insurance plans set up as “self funded” (check with your benefit administrator) do not, generally, have to comply with state insurance laws. It is always best to check with your insurance company regarding details of your coverage
Please feel free to call our office 603-537-1363 to discuss specific questions with our mammographers or breast health nurse navigators.