Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound uses sonography—high frequency sound waves—to generate images of the breast. This test is often used in conjunction with mammography to provide more information for the radiologist to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

The test is fast, easy and painless, and does not expose you to any radiation. It is most often recommended to determine the nature of a breast abnormality, and can sometimes distinguish between a non-cancerous (benign) lump and a cancerous tumor. In that way, it can help a woman avoid an unnecessary biopsy.

Preparation Instructions

No special preparation is required for a breast ultrasound. However, please let us know:

• The date of your last menstrual period
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant
• If you are post-menopausal
• If you are receiving hormone therapy or taking oral contraceptives
• If you are having fertility treatments or taking fertility medication
• If you are currently breastfeeding

What to Expect

During your ultrasound exam, you will like on your back and a specially trained technologist will move a transducer across your breast in a series of patterns to make sure the entire breast is imaged. This is not painful, however it is possible that you may experience some slight discomfort where the transducer comes in contact with your skin.

A breast ultrasound generally takes less than 30 minutes. After the images are obtained, they will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist and a complete report will be sent to your doctor.