Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging of the breast produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast.
Ultrasound imaging of the breast uses sound waves to produce pictures of the internal structures of the breast. It is primarily used to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities your doctor may have found during a physical exam, mammogram or breast MR.
Ultrasound imaging can help to determine if an abnormality is solid, which may be a non-cancerous lump of tissue or a cancerous tumour), fluid-filled or both cystic and solid.
Other Treatments
Gynaecological Conditions
GYNAECOLOGICAL Scan
Pregnancy Scans
Pre-Pregnancy Scans
Procedures
This procedure requires little to no special preparation. Leave jewellery at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and to wear a gown during the procedure.
You will lie on your back on the examining table and may be asked to raise your arm above your head.
After you are positioned on the examination table, the radiologist (a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations) or sonographer will apply a warm water-based gel to the area of the body being studied. The gel will help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body. The transducer is placed on the body and moved back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured.
There is usually no discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the area being examined. However, if scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the transducer.
Doppler sonography is performed using the same transducer.
Once the imaging is complete, the clear ultrasound gel will be wiped off your skin. Any portions that are not wiped off will dry quickly. The ultrasound gel does not usually stain or discolour clothing.
During a breast ultrasound examination, the sonographer or physician performing the test may use Doppler techniques to evaluate blood flow or lack of flow in any breast mass. In some cases, this may provide additional information as to the cause of the mass.
A breast ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create black-and-white pictures of the internal structures of the breast. It is primarily used to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities your doctor may have found during a physical exam, mammogram or breast MR.
Most breast ultrasounds are usually completed within 30 minutes.
A breast ultrasound requires little to no special preparation. Leave jewellery at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and to wear a gown during the procedure.
You can have a breast ultrasound almost anytime. However, it is suggested that you do not schedule the procedure one week before your menstrual cycle, as your breasts could be more sensitive at this time.