Ultrasound technology uses penetrating sound waves to create images of the interior of the human body. At times, a woman may be required by her physician to undergo a breast ultrasound. This noninvasive procedure allows doctors to examine internal breast tissue, and is usually ordered as a result of lumps or abnormalities found in the breast during a routine examination or a mammogram.
When a Breast Ultrasound is Needed
Radiologists generally perform breast ultrasound and mammography together. The combination of these two tests is much more accurate than either test alone. While breast MRI is the most accurate test, the use of breast ultrasound can aid in scanning specific areas in detail. Breast ultrasound can detect differences in masses in the breast, determining whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass. A solid mass may be a tumor, whether benign or malignant, and may require further investigation.
Breast ultrasound is routinely used as a guide when performing a biopsy of breast tissue. When used in conjunction with other ultrasound technology known as Doppler, a breast ultrasound can also help determine the speed and fluidity of blood flow in the breast, helping point to any possible obstructions that may be present. This may be especially helpful in diagnosing problems related to any abnormal emission of fluid from the nipple.
Both MRI and breast ultrasound may also be utilised as an alternative to mammography when examining a patient who should not be exposed to radiation, such as pregnant women, or those who are at high risk for breast cancer.
What Happens During a Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is a painless and fairly simple procedure. During a breast ultrasound, the patient will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on an examining gown. Then you will lie down on an examining table. The ultrasound technician will apply a warm, water-based ultrasound gel to the skin of your breast. Using a handheld transducer, or probe, the technician will scan the breast, producing the necessary images. You may be asked to hold your arm above your head, or change positions on the exam table as needed. All told, the entire examination should only take about 30 minutes to administer. The breast ultrasound is a technique which does not utilise any radiation, which means it is completely safe and risk free for the patient.
When should you have a breast ultrasound?
If you feel a lump in your breast, or one shows up on your mammogram, your provider may recommend an ultrasound. A breast ultrasound produces detailed images of breast tissue. It can reveal if the lump is a fluid-filled cyst (usually not cancerous) or a solid mass that needs more testing.
Is it better to have a mammogram or ultrasound?
Breast ultrasound is more accurate than mammography in symptomatic women 45 years or younger, mammography has progressive improvement in sensitivity in women 60 years or older. The accuracy of mammograms increased as women's breasts became fattier and less dense.
