What is it?

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your breast. It helps doctors distinguish between fluid-filled cysts (similar to small sacs of fluid) and solid lumps.

 

How Does it Work?

The sound waves bounce off the breast tissue, creating images that indicate whether something appears normal or might require further examination.

 

Best for:

Ultrasound is often used together with a mammogram, especially if you have dense breast tissue or if your doctor wants to look closely at a specific area in your breast. It may also be chosen for patients who prefer not to have an IV or contrast agent, or when other resources are limited.

 

Important to Know:

• Ultrasound cannot detect tiny calcium deposits (called microcalcifications) that sometimes show up early on mammograms.

• The results can depend on who performs the exam, so it’s essential to have it done by a skilled technician.

 

What to Expect

• A technician will apply a cool gel to your breast to help the sound waves travel.

• They will move a small handheld device (called a transducer) over your breast to capture images.

• The test typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and is painless.

• You’ll hear no sounds and feel no pain during the exam.