Exams: Comprehensive Women's Imaging

Breast Ultrasound

What is Breast Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to outline a specific part of the body. The echo of the waves produces a picture called an ultrasound. A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall, which is hard to study with mammography.

What are some common uses of Breast Ultrasound?

• Evaluate women with dense breasts or with fibrocystic (lumpy) breast disease
• Evaluate lesions that cannot be well classified by mammography alone
• Evaluate cysts or other suspicious areas seen on a mammogram
• Evaluate breasts with silicone implants
• Evaluate breast symptoms such as pain, redness and fever
• May be used in younger women with a family history of breast cancer

How should I prepare for the exam?
Because you will be removing your clothing from the waist up, it is a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit. Also, please do not use any lotions or powders on your breasts. You may use deodorant.

What will I experience during the Breast Ultrasound?
During the exam, you will lie on your back on the exam table. The technologist will place a water-soluble gel on the transducer (hand-held device that directs the high-frequency sound waves to the breast tissue) or directly on your breast. They will then guide the transducer over the breast. A computer will analyze the information and display an image on the screen for the technologist to review. A Breast Ultrasound usually takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. It does not use any radiation and you should not experience any discomfort during the exam.