ELASTOGRAPHY
Our clinic offers the modern examination of ultrasound elastography (2D Shear Wave Elastography – 2D-SWE). We are equipped with advanced 2D shear wave elastography technology using the comb-brush ARFI technique, which employs specialized software to evaluate the hardness and elasticity of tissues.
This technique represents one of the most remarkable developments in medical ultrasound in recent years. It is completely painless, simple for the patient, and fast.
Through elastography, we can more effectively distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, resulting in a more accurate diagnosis and a significant reduction in unnecessary biopsies.
Elastography is a modern, non-invasive imaging method used to measure the stiffness (elasticity) of body tissues. Its main clinical value lies in the fact that many diseases—such as cancer or fibrosis—alter tissue stiffness, making affected organs harder than healthy tissue.
Main Uses & Applications
Elastography is most commonly applied to the following organs:
- Liver: This is the most widespread application of the method. Elastography is used to diagnose and classify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. It often replaces invasive liver biopsy and allows safe, repeatable follow-up of patients with chronic hepatitis or fatty liver disease.
- Breast: Helps differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. Cancerous lesions are usually harder than normal tissue or benign formations such as cysts.
- Thyroid: Used in combination with conventional ultrasound to assess thyroid nodules. Increased stiffness of a nodule raises suspicion of malignancy.
- Άλλες εφαρμογές: Χρησιμοποιείται επίσης στον προστάτη, στους όρχεις, στο πάγκρεας, καθώς και στο μυοσκελετικό σύστημα για τον έλεγχο τενόντων και μυών.
