What transducer type is used for breast imaging?

• A. Curved linear array transducer, low frequency
• B. Phased array transducer
• C. Flat linear array transducer, high frequency
• D. Endocavitary transducer

Answer: (C)

For breast imaging, the priority is resolving small, shallow structures with sharp detail. A flat linear array transducer used at a high frequency provides the best combination of spatial resolution and stable skin contact, which is essential for accurately assessing lesion margins, border characteristics, and any microcalcifications. The high frequency improves both axial and lateral resolution, making superficial breast tissue much clearer.

Other transducer types don’t offer the same balance for this purpose. A phased array transducer has a small footprint and is optimized for deep or narrow windows, like cardiac imaging, and doesn’t give the same broad, high-resolution view of the breast surface. A curved linear array tends to operate at lower frequencies and has a curved footprint that can reduce resolution at depth and across the field, which is not ideal for the superficial breast tissue. An endocavitary transducer is designed for internal cavities and not suitable for external breast examination.