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Stanford Health Care

Conditions Treated

Our Approach to Screening Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (SAWBU)

Screening Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (SAWBU) is a noninvasive way of finding small cancers that cannot be seen on mammograms alone. Featuring new automated technology to make breast cancer screening more accurate, SAWBU uses sound waves to create 3D pictures of breast tissue. It is an optional test for women with dense breast tissue who would like to supplement their routine mammography screenings. Our radiologists are internationally renowned specialists in breast imaging for screening and diagnosis, and in performing image-guided breast procedures.
 

Download SAWBU - Information for Patients & Families (PDF)

What We Offer You for Screening Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (SAWBU)

  • Preventive screening and thorough evaluations for your health, wellness, and peace of mind.
  • A nationally recognized Center of Excellence for breast imaging, as designated by the American College of Radiology. Our radiologists are specially trained in mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and interventional procedures for breast cancer detection and diagnosis.
  • State-of-the-art breast imaging equipment, including technology that uses sound waves, not radiation, to create 3D pictures of breast tissue.
  • Multidisciplinary approach that brings together experts from radiology, oncology, and women’s health to provide comprehensive treatment options, should you need treatment, personalized to each patient’s needs.

What is Screening Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound?

Conditions Treated with Screening Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (SAWBU)

SAWBU is an optional test to supplement mammography in women whose breast tissue appears dense in screenings. This is something that your radiologist will share with you when he or she interprets your mammogram and assigns you to one of four categories of density. Breasts consist of a mixture of tissue and fat and are considered dense if you have more tissue and less fat. 

Dense breast tissue is normal and very common.  However, dense breasts can make it more difficult for radiologists to see cancer on mammograms. Dense tissue can appear white, similar to lumps, whether they are benign or cancerous. So, mammograms can be less accurate in women with dense breasts.

Having dense breast tissue may also increase your risk of getting breast cancer. However, family history and other risk factors may have a greater influence on your level of risk.

It’s important to know that even if your breasts are dense, mammograms can still detect cancer and regular screening remains vital. Mammography is the only type of imaging proven to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer.

Our Clinics

Imaging Clinic at Advanced Medicine Center Building in Palo Alto

Our highly trained radiology specialists, nurses, and technicians use leading-edge Screening Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (SAWBU) technology in our state-of-the-art clinic.

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To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-723-6855