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Breast Ultrasound Center

Radiologist located in Pasadena, CA

The Breast Ultrasound Center is a leading radiology facility in Pasadena, CA, specializing in breast screening and the early detection of breast cancers that are most frequently missed with mammography. We've been providing women throughout the Los Angeles metro area the peace of mind they need so they can feel confident about their health and wellness. Established more than a decade ago by leading radiologist Kevin Kelly, the center uses the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology to detect cancerous lesions in their earliest and most treatable stages. 

In clinical trials, SonoCiné was 300% more accurate than mammography at detecting small (1cm or less) invasive cancers. Women with dense breast tissue (DBT) or implants benefit most from SonoCiné because it is difficult to produce clear images using standard mammography and imaging techniques. DBT and implants DO NOT NEGATIVELY EFFECT your SonoCiné ultrasound screening.

Dr. Kelly was one of the first radiologists in Southern California to use ultrasound as a detection and diagnostic tool for breast cancer, working tirelessly to develop the technology, creating the SonoCiné Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (AWBUS) for accurate screening of women with dense tissue or breast implants. AWBUS was developed to detect the lesions that are most frequently missed with mammography, including small, invasive breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue or implants.

The AWBUS technology is automated and standardized, which means it's not reliant on the proficiency of the technician, and no radiation is used. The technology captures 100 percent of breast tissue, recording findings on video so they can be easily reviewed by the radiologist. In clinical trials, AWBUS was 300 percent more accurate than mammography at detecting invasive breast cancers that were 1 centimeter or less in diameter. Plus, AWBUS is convenient and pain-free – no compression of the breast tissue is involved. 

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The Breast Ultrasound Center is a leading radiology facility in Pasadena, CA, specializing in breast screening and the early detection of breast cancers that are most frequently missed with mammography. We've been providing women throughout the Los Angeles metro area the peace of mind they need so they can feel confident about their health and wellness. Established more than a decade ago by leading radiologist Kevin Kelly, the center uses the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology to detect cancerous lesions in their earliest and most treatable stages. 

In clinical trials, SonoCiné was 300% more accurate than mammography at detecting small (1cm or less) invasive cancers. Women with dense breast tissue (DBT) or implants benefit most from SonoCiné because it is difficult to produce clear images using standard mammography and imaging techniques. DBT and implants DO NOT NEGATIVELY EFFECT your SonoCiné ultrasound screening.

Dr. Kelly was one of the first radiologists in Southern California to use ultrasound as a detection and diagnostic tool for breast cancer, working tirelessly to develop the technology, creating the SonoCiné Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (AWBUS) for accurate screening of women with dense tissue or breast implants. AWBUS was developed to detect the lesions that are most frequently missed with mammography, including small, invasive breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue or implants.

The AWBUS technology is automated and standardized, which means it's not reliant on the proficiency of the technician, and no radiation is used. The technology captures 100 percent of breast tissue, recording findings on video so they can be easily reviewed by the radiologist. In clinical trials, AWBUS was 300 percent more accurate than mammography at detecting invasive breast cancers that were 1 centimeter or less in diameter. Plus, AWBUS is convenient and pain-free – no compression of the breast tissue is involved. 


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Provider

Dr. Kelly's Ted Talk

Dr. Kelly's Ted Talk

Our Technology

The SonoCiné Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (AWBUS) was specifically designed for women with dense breast tissue and women with breast implants. 

SonoCiné is a supplementary ultrasound examination of both breasts that can find small cancers that do not show up on the mammogram. It is not a replacement for screening mammography, but SonoCiné AWBUS can increase confidence in your diagnosis.

Studies show that an ultrasound examination, in conjunction with a mammogram, can find more cancers in women with dense breasts than by mammography alone.

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The Benefits of SonoCiné Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound
  • Clinical trials show that it is 300% more accurate than mammography at finding breast cancers 1cm or smaller.
  • It is very accurate at detecting small invasive breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue or implants. The average size of breast cancers found using SonoCiné is 9mm, mammography 17mm.
  • It’s very accurate for women with implants. Women with implants that get breast cancer are 38% more likely to die from it than women without implants that get breast cancer. Mammography x-rays can’t penetrate the implant (I have a published study).
  • Mammography’s x-rays can’t penetrate dense breast tissue (40% of women have DBT, 70% of breast cancers start in DBT)
  • Mammography’s x-rays can’t penetrate cancer. They all appear white on a mammogram which is why the small cancers are missed.
  • It covers 100% of the entire breast including the lymph nodes, breast plate and rib area . It’s the only screening exam that does this
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"What I'd Tell My Daughter"

Dr. Kelly’s Blueprint For A 

Successful Screening Program

Many factors need to be taken into consideration when starting a screening program, or planning for future screenings. Breast cancer is the #1 killer of women ages 35-54, and although the chances of getting breast cancer in your early to mid-30’s are slim, it does happen.

Here is what I would recommend to my own daughter:


At Age 30-35

Get a SonoCiné Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound Screening (AWBUS) or ultrasound screening. There is no radiation, it’s safe, and we can tell if you have dense breasts. Since AWBUS uses ultrasound technology, you won’t be adding years of radiation to your screening and you will know that everything is ok.

The only downside to having a SonoCiné before age 40 is the cost. It’s not covered by insurance yet – though some plans are reimbursing. At my practice the cost ranges from $250 – $350 and some insurance may reimburse you for it - we can provide the insurance codes. If you don’t want to have a SonoCiné in your early 30’s then get one at 37-38. 


At Age 40

Get a mammogram and find out whether you have dense or fatty breasts. Certain cancers develop as calcifications, which account for approximately 10-15% of breast cancers. These are more easily seen by mammography.

If your mammogram indicates you have mostly fatty tissue in your breasts, then continue getting an annual mammogram. It’s enough.

If you have dense breast tissue (40% of women have dense breast tissue), get a mammogram once a year and a SonoCiné AWBUS once a year. You can do them 6 months apart (Jan/June for example). It sounds like a lot of work but the 3-4 hours per year it takes to complete these tests will tremendously increase your chances of finding an abnormality when it is still small and easy to treat.

If you have implants, get a mammogram once a year and an AWBUS once a year, also 6 months apart. Implants are like having the densest tissue in the middle of your breast, so it's important to follow the same guidelines as someone with dense breast tissue throughout the breast. 


If You Have A Lump

DO NOT STOP until you know for certain what it is, and that it’s not breast cancer.  That means you need to be examined and diagnosed with ultrasound to confirm that the lump is indeed harmless. Your physician may ask you to modify some behaviors for 4-6 weeks to see if it goes away. But if it doesn’t, get an ultrasound no matter what your doctor says.


If Your Grandmother, Mother or Sister Has/Had Breast Cancer

If your mother, grandmother or sister had breast cancer in her 30’s or 40’s, you need to start your ultrasound screening 10 years before that age, otherwise start at age 40.


If Your Aunts or Cousins Have/Had Breast Cancer

If you have two second-degree relatives (aunts and cousins) who have had breast cancer, err on the side of caution. I would recommend the same program above.  The likelihood of you getting breast cancer is less, but it can’t hurt to be careful.


If You Experience Discharge From The Nipple

If you have a red discharge that’s coming from your nipple for more than a day or two, you should see your doctor and get a SonoCiné. A clear or milky discharge from both nipples would most likely indicate that it is NOT CANCER.


Ask Your Doctor What's Right For You

Please feel free to ask your doctor about the above information. Be prepared that he or she may not be up-to-speed on many of my suggestions, so you may already be more informed than your doctor.


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Valuable Resources & Information

I highly recommend you visit the websites of three amazing organizations. They are forward-thinking, and that’s what we need to get information about breast cancer out there.

The Why Foundation

The Dangerous Boobs Tour (Each One. Tell One.)

Are You Dense?

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Insurance Coverage

Exam Costs
Effective February 1, 2022, Sonocine exam cost is $395.

Insurance Coverage
Please consult your insurance company to inquire about reimbursement. We do not do any insurance billing.

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Location

Breast Ultrasound Center
960 East Green Street, Suite 166
Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: 626-400-5913
Fax: 626-628-3617

Office Hours

Get in touch

626-400-5913