Breast Ultrasound

Screening technique that exposes the breasts to high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images.

Ultrasound may help detect and classify a breast lesion that cannot be interpreted adequately through mammography alone. It may also be used to guide a needle during a biopsy.

Ultrasound can be offered as a screening tool for women who:

• Are at high risk for breast cancer and are unable to tolerate an MRI examination
• Are at intermediate risk for breast cancer based on family history, personal history of breast cancer, or prior biopsy showing an abnormal result
• Have dense breasts
• Have silicone breast implants
• Are pregnant or should not to be exposed to X-rays

When a sound wave strikes an object, it bounces back, or echoes. By measuring these echo waves, medical experts can detect changes in appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels as well as detect abnormal masses, such as tumors. The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a video display screen that looks much like a computer or television monitor. The image is created based on the amplitude (strength), frequency and time it takes for the sound signal to return from the patient to the instrument (transducer) and the type of body structure the sound travels through.

You will be asked to undress from the waist up and to wear a gown during the procedure.

You will lie on your back with your arm raised above your head. A clear water-based gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) or radiologist then presses the transducer firmly against the skin in various locations, sweeping over the area of interest or angling the sound beam from a farther location to better see an area of concern. Most ultrasound examinations are painless and last about 30 minutes.

A radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care physician or the physician who referred you for the exam. In some cases, the radiologist may discuss results with you at the conclusion of your examination.