Mammography method and apparatus

A method for generating an ultrasound image of a compressed breast of a subject, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an apparatus including
• a compression paddle constructed from a plastic material,
• an ultrasound probe for generating ultrasound image data of the breast through the material of the compression paddle and in spatial registration with the compression paddle,
• a motion control system for movement of the probe in relation to the compression paddle and for sensing the probe's position, the motion control system including a first-axis control a second-axis control, and a third-axis control for movement of the probe in three dimensions;
• compressing the breast with the paddle;
• and
• scanning the breast with the ultrasound probe through the material of the compression paddle.

A method for generating an ultrasound image and an x-ray image of a compressed breast of a subject, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an apparatus comprising
• an x-ray mammography unit for generating the x-ray image, the x-ray mammography unit including a compression paddle,
• a vertical x-ray support column having a movable arm supporting an x-ray tube,
• a compression paddle mount block movable along the vertical x-ray support column, the compression paddle connected to the compression paddle mount block and being both radiolucent and sonolucent,
• an ultrasound scanner connected to the compression paddle mount block, the scanner comprising an ultrasound probe for generating ultrasound image data in spatial registration with the compression paddle, a motion control system for movement of the probe in spatial relation to the compression paddle and for sensing the probe's position, the motion control system including an axis controller for controlling the movement of the probe toward contact with the compression paddle, and
• an x-ray detector assembly including an x-ray image detector and a lower support surface for supporting a compressed breast;
• compressing the breast with the paddle;
• scanning the compressed breast with the ultrasound scanner;
• and
• scanning the compressed breast with the x-ray tube.

A method for examining a breast of a subject, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an apparatus including
• a compression paddle suitable for contacting a surface of the breast, the compression paddle being both radiolucent and sonolucent, and of a thickness between about 0.02 inch (about 0.5 mm) to about 0.12 inch (about 3 mm), and constructed of plastic,
• a device for applying pressure to the surface of the breast with the compression paddle to compress the breast to reduce the thickness of the breast tissue,
• a transducer for generating an ultrasound beam having a frequency greater than about 5 MHz for transmission through the compression paddle and the compressed breast tissue and for receiving echoes from the compressed breast tissue through the compression paddle, and
• a device for converting the received echoes into breast imaging data;
• compressing the breast;
• and
• scanning the breast with the transducer.