Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to image the breast. Breast ultrasound, also known as sonography or ultrasonography, is frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found through screening or diagnostic mammography or during a clinical breast exam. Ultrasound is an excellent imaging tool to evaluate cysts, which are round, fluid-filled, pockets inside the breast. In addition, ultrasound can often determine if a suspicious area is in fact a cyst (always non-cancerous) or solid tissue (dense mass), which may require a biopsy to further identify it. Ultrasound imaging can also be a valuable tool when performing core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirations, and is helpful in proving if a suspicious area could be a lymph node.

Even though breast ultrasound has an excellent contrast resolution, it does not have the capability that mammography has to detect early stage breast cancers. Ultrasound is primarily used to investigate an abnormality detected by mammography or during a physician performed breast exam.

How is the exam performed?

Before the exam begins, you will be instructed to lie on a special table. The ultrasound technologist will cover the part of the breast that will be imaged with a gel. This gel will lubricate the skin and help with the transmission of the sound waves. When the exam begins, the operator, either the ultrasound technologist or radiologist, will glide the transducer over the breast. You will feel a slight pressure from the transducer, but it should not hurt.

An ultrasound exam usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes but may take longer if the technologist has difficulty finding the breast abnormalities being examined. Ultrasound does not use any radiation and is usually pain-free.