Overview & Description
A breast ultrasound is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to
form images of tissues and other structures inside the breast.
Who is a candidate for the test?
Doctors may recommend this test so that they can:
clarify an abnormal finding from a
mammogram
determine whether a lump in the breast is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor
pinpoint a lump that cannot be felt so that fluid can be drawn out of it or a tissue
sample can be taken
An ultrasound may also be used to evaluate a woman who has possible signs of
breast cancer.
In some cases, this test is used instead of a mammogram.
Some examples of when this test might be used include:
a pregnant woman whose fetus could be harmed by the radiation of a
mammogram
a woman who refuses a mammogram due to fear of radiation
a woman whose silicone breast implants may interfere with a
mammogram
a woman younger than 25 years, because younger women often have dense
breast tissue that's hard to see clearly on a mammogram
How is the test performed?
The test takes about 15 minutes. A healthcare provider can perform this
test in an office, clinic, or hospital. Usually, a woman puts on a hospital gown that
opens at the front before the test.
There are two ways to perform the test.
The woman lies on her stomach on a special exam table. Set into part of the
table is a tank of heated water. The woman places her breast into the water. The
person performing the test places a scanning tool that sends out sound waves at the
bottom of the tank.
OR: The woman lies on her back. The healthcare provider puts a small portion of
gel on the woman's breast. This gel helps transmit sound waves. Next, the
healthcare provider takes a scanning tool that sends out sound waves and moves it
around on the breast.
In either method, the sound waves bounce off internal tissues of the breast
and then return to the scanning tool. A computer converts the sound waves into a
black-and-white image. The healthcare provider can then read this image of the internal
part of the breast.
In some cases at the time of the ultrasound, a doctor may insert a needle
into the breast to obtain tissue for a breast biopsy.
The images from the ultrasound help guide the needle into the right area of the breast.
When the test is finished, the healthcare provider will dry the breast or wipe the gel off. The
woman may then dress and leave.
Preparation & Expectations
What is involved in preparation for the test?
On the day of the test, the woman should not put any lotions or powders
on her breast. No other preparation is generally required.
Results and Values
What do the test results mean?
Test results are usually sent to the woman's healthcare provider, who
then discusses them with her. In some cases, ultrasound will show no problem in the
breast. Abnormal findings may include:
a benign cyst, which means the lump or mass is not cancer
an abscess, or pus-filled pocket, in the breast
breast cancer,
which can only be diagnosed if a needle was used to sample a piece of breast tissue
a bruise
fibrocystic breast disease,
which causes benign lumps in the breast
other benign tumors, such as one called an adenoma
Homepage 
Health
Topics 
Breast Cancer 
