Breast Ultrasound

A Breast Ultrasound: A Painless Look Inside

A breast ultrasound is a painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of your breast tissue. This safe, non-invasive procedure helps doctors examine breast tissue and identify potential abnormalities like breast cancer or fluid collection in the breast.

What to Expect

Unlike mammograms, which use X-rays, ultrasounds involve no radiation exposure. During the procedure, a sonographer applies gel to your skin and moves a handheld device, called a transducer, across your breasts. This transducer sends high-frequency sound waves that bounce off your breast tissue, creating images on a screen.

The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes, and you may feel slight pressure as the sonographer moves the transducer.

When is a Breast Ultrasound Used?

This type of ultrasound is useful in many situations:

• Evaluating a Lump: If you or your doctor finds a lump on your breast, ultrasound can help determine if it’s a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass.
• Dense Breast Tissue: For women with dense breast tissue, ultrasounds can provide a clearer picture than mammograms.
• Following Up on a Mammogram: If a mammogram shows a suspicious area, an ultrasound of the breast can provide a closer look to determine if a biopsy is necessary.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Since mammograms use radiation, ultrasounds offer a safe alternative for examining breast changes during these times.

Why Choose a Breast Ultrasound?

Breast ultrasounds offer several advantages:

• Safe: No radiation exposure.
• Painless: A generally painless procedure.
• Detailed Images: Provides detailed views of soft tissue.
• Effective for Dense Breasts: Particularly useful for women with dense breast tissue.

In Conclusion

A breast ultrasound is a safe and effective imaging tool that can help evaluate breast abnormalities and diagnose breast conditions. If your doctor recommends one, there is no need to worry. It is a simple procedure that can provide valuable information about your breast health.

Feel free to book your next ultrasound at Medpoint Radiology.