Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) at the Toronto Centre for Medical Imaging

Contact TCFMI at 416-368-8488 to Schedule Your Automated Breast Ultrasound Appointment (ABUS)

An Automated Breast Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to take 3D images of the whole breast, targeting specific areas and ensuring they are displayed in a reproducible fashion. It is especially beneficial to women with dense breast tissue, because a high breast density score can make a mammogram harder to read and ABUS allows the technologist to check the breast from a variety of angles offering more accurate interpretations.

Automated Breast Ultrasound is often recommended as supplemental screening in conjunction with a screening mammography for women with extremely dense breast tissue, and women with heterogeneously dense breast tissue.

Automated Breast Ultrasound Toronto

Supplementary Screening for Dense Breasts (ABUS)

If you have been told that you have dense breasts supplemental screening with automated breast ultrasound may be beneficial for you as part of your regular screening for breast cancer.

It is important for you to understand the following about breast density (BI-RADS category C and D) which you may have been told you have or seen on your report.

  1. Greater breast density results in lower sensitivity for mammography and higher likelihood that cancer will be missed.
  2. The assessment of breast density is subjective and, therefore, variable.
  3. Density itself is a risk factor. Women with dense breasts have approximately 1.5 to 3 times higher risk than the average woman, or woman with fatty breasts.
  4. Breast density can be affected by age and weight and therefore can change over time.
  5. Routine screening mammogram is recommended for women over age 40. ABUS (automated breast ultrasound) is not a substitute for your mammogram. ABUS is supplementary to your mammogram.

*Note that supplementary screening for dense breast (ABUS) is currently not approved by OHIP. There will be a charge for this service.

Insurance companies are slowly recognizing the utility of this service, and some are covering it under their benefits plans.

More Information and Links

  • The cost of ABUS for our patients is among the lowest to make it more accessible for as many patients as possible, since this study is not covered by OHIP.
  • Since ABUS is meant for women with dense breasts (BIRADS Type C or D) on mammography, you need to get a mammogram first. The mammogram can be scheduled at TCFMI with our usual short wait times in a very comfortable environment.
  • ABUS is meant to be interpreted in conjunction with mammography as per current guidelines. Both studies are available at TCFMI and can be scheduled on the same day if you already know you have dense breasts.
  • If an area of concern is detected on ABUS (in up to 10% of patients), it requires clarification with a targeted handheld ultrasound examination, preferably with a Radiologist on site, available at TCFMI. No need to go to a different site for the correlation to be performed.
  • If the hand held ultrasound confirms an abnormality that warrants a biopsy, ultrasound guided biopsy is available at TCFMI, and can be arranged with our usual short wait times of less than a week, among the lowest in the Province.
  • In summary, if you are a woman over 40 and have dense breasts, and you would like to find a breast cancer early before it has had the time to spread, you can have ALL of your testing (screening mammogram, ABUS, targeted hand held ultrasound correlation and biopsy) done under one roof. Either you know that everything is fine and you are good for 1 year or be referred to a breast surgeon with the final pathology within 2 to 3 weeks of having your mammogram at TCFMI.
  • A doctor’s referral is not necessary for ABUS. The Toronto Centre for Medical Imaging is pleased to offer this service to all women who would like screening. Just call our office to book your appointment, we have short wait times and can accommodate you in your busy day.
  • If your doctor would like more information about ABUS, please refer your doctor to The Toronto Centre for Medical Imaging and our Radiologist will gladly answer any questions about ABUS and provide an introduction ABUS package for them.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  • Wear a two-piece outfit so you can change for the exam more comfortably.
  • If you are having a mammogram the same day, you may be asked to avoid the use of deodorant or lotions.

  • You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and given a robe.
  • Your breast area will need to be visible for the exam and your sonographer will need to apply a generous amount of ultrasound gel.
  • The sonographer will press the ABUS transducer to the breast and hold it while the images are gathered. The transducer is designed to conform to your shape and make the exam comfortable, but you may feel some pressure.
  • Both breasts will be examined, which will take about 15 minutes for the entire exam.
  • The radiologist will review the images and compare to previous ultrasounds or mammograms.
  • It is not unusual for the sonographer to ask the radiologist to come into the scan room after your exam to speak to you about your results.

  • We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by two business days.

  • The Toronto Centre for Medical Imaging is the first dedicated medical imaging clinic in Ontario to offer the Automated Breast Ultrasound.
  • 3D Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is not covered under OHIP.
  • The cost is $230.00 and a receipt would be issued to you, for your private insurance company benefits plan.
  • $100.00 cancellation fee applies with less than one business day notice.

Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening for Dense Breasts – Video

Automated Breast Ultrasound and General Information – Video