An immersion scanner for two-dimensional ultrasonic examination of the human breast

Certain abnormalities of the breast are difficult to detect, particularly in the early stages of disease. Ultrasonic scanning seems to be quite promising as a diagnostic aid. A new scanner has been constructed especially for this examination. The patient lies facing downwards with her breasts immersed in a water bath, and the ultrasonic probe moves along a circular path in the water, performing a compound sector scan. The ultrasonic frequency is 2MHz. Some of the novel mechanical and electronic features of the instrument will be described, and a few examples of typical scans will be shown.