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Breast ultrasound

Ultrasonography of the breast; Sonogram of the breast

 

Breast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.

How the Test is Performed

 

You will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will be given a gown to wear.

During the test, you will lie on your back on an examining table.

Your health care provider will place a gel on the skin of your breast. A hand-held device, called a transducer, is moved over the breast area. You may be asked to raise your arms above your head and turn to the left or right.

The device sends sound waves to the breast tissue. The sound waves help create a picture that can be seen on a computer screen on the ultrasound machine.

The number of people involved in the test will be limited to protect your privacy.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You may want to wear a two-piece outfit, so you do not have to completely undress.

On the day of your test, DO NOT use any lotion or powder on your breasts. DO NOT use deodorant under your arms. Remove jewelry from your neck and chest area.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

This test usually does not cause any discomfort, although the gel may feel cool.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Breast ultrasound is usually ordered when more information is needed after other tests are done. These tests may include mammogram or breast MRI .

Your provider may order this test if you have:

  • A breast lump found during a breast exam
  • An abnormal mammogram
  • Clear or bloody nipple discharge

A breast ultrasound can:

  • Help tell the difference between a solid mass or a cyst
  • Help look for a growth if you have clear or bloody fluid coming from your nipple
  • Guide a needle during a breast biopsy

 

Normal Results

 

A normal result means the breast tissue appears normal.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Ultrasound can help show noncancerous growths such as:

  • Cysts, which are, fluid-filled sacs
  • Fibroadenomas , which are, noncancerous solid growths
  • Lipomas, which are, noncancerous fatty lumps that can occur anywhere in the body, including the breasts

Breast cancers can also be seen with ultrasound.

Follow-up tests to determine whether treatment may be needed include:

  • Breast lump removal (lumpectomy)
  • Open (surgical) breast biopsy
  • Stereotactic (needle) breast biopsy
  • Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

 

Risks

 

There are no risks associated with breast ultrasound. There is no radiation exposure.

 

 

Open References

References

Hacker NF, Friedland ML. Breast disease. In: Hacker NF, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker and Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 30.

Harvey JA, Mahoney MC, Newell MS, et al. ACR appropriateness criteria palpable breast masses. J Am Coll Radiol . 2013;10:742-9.e1-3. PMID: 24091044 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24091044 .

Hooley RJ, Scoutt LM, Philpotts LE. Breast ultrasonography: state of the art. Radiology . 2013;268:642-59. PMID: 23970509 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23970509 .

Wolfe AC, Domchek SM, Davidson NE, Sacchini V, McCormick B. Cancer of the breast. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2014:chap 91.

 
  • Female Breast

    Female Breast - illustration

    The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.

    Female Breast

    illustration

    • Female Breast

      Female Breast - illustration

      The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.

      Female Breast

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Breast ultrasound

           
           

          Review Date: 10/2/2015

          Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, general surgery practice specializing in breast cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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