Breast Ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound Overview

A breast ultrasound is typically used to further examine an abnormality found on a mammogram. The process does not use X-ray radiation. It determines the presence of cysts or solid lumps by a small transducer which rolls over the breast area. This small unit emits sound waves that create a picture (sonogram) of the area.

Breast ultrasounds are also used to examine women who have dense breasts and to examine the chest wall, which is not examined during a routine mammogram screening.

What to Expect During Your Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound usually takes place after a mammogram or clinical exam reveals an area of concern. If you are scheduled for a breast ultrasound, you should dress for comfort – with an easy-to-remove top. You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and will put on a gown that opens to the front.

For the ultrasound, you will lie on your back. You may be asked to raise your arms above your head, as you might during a clinical breast exam. Clear gel will be applied to your skin near the area of concern, and the ultrasound will begin. After, the transducer will slide back and forth to create images on a monitor.

With this image, the radiologist will be able to determine if the area is of concern.

We understand that this is a sensitive and emotional time for our patients, so it is our focus to make sure you are most comfortable.

ACS Recommendations

The American Cancer Society recommends women over the age of 40 have a routine mammogram once a year. Mammograms can detect abnormalities in the breast even before they can be felt by a clinical breast exam, enabling doctors to catch diseases at their earliest stages and reducing the risk of dying from breast cancer by 30 percent.