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About Breast Ultrasound
Why Do I Need a Breast Ultrasound Examination?
Information obtained from a breast physical examination alone often is incomplete.
Breast sonography, used in conjunction with a physical exam and/or a mammogram, can identify cysts, tumors, abscesses, lymph nodes, and very dense breast tissue. In some cases, a tissue sample (biopsy) of a suspicious area is necessary to make a specific diagnosis.
See sample Breast Sonographs
If a biopsy is needed, sonography can be used to guide the needle without the need for surgery. Aspiration (removal of fluid) of breast cysts is also commonly performed using ultrasound guidance.
How Is Breast Sonography Performed?
You will be asked to remove your top and bra. A paper or cloth gown will be given to you to cover yourself. You will be instructed to lie or sit on an examining table.
Gel will be placed on your skin and a transducer will be moved over the area to be examined. The gel may feel cool and may temporarily stain clothes, so you may want to wear easily washable clothing.
The room is usually darkened during the examination.
After the exam, you can drive home safely and eat and drink normally.
The examiner may feel the area for any lumps while performing the examination. No pain is involved in this type of examination but there is a pressure sensation. The images obtained are seen on a monitor and stored electronically.
Who Will Do the Examination?
The examination is performed by a sonographer. The images obtained from the exam will be interpreted by a doctor. This interpretation may not be available immediately after you have your exam. In some cases, the doctor will also examine you to confirm or resolve uncertain or unclear findings.
Based on the images, a recommendation may be made for a biopsy or drainage procedure to be performed using ultrasound as a guide.
What Are the Limitations of This Examination?
Results of the examination may vary depending on the type of breast tissue you have. If a suspicious area noted on mammography cannot be seen with ultrasound, it will be evaluated by other means. Your doctor will discuss these options with you during a future appointment.
Excerpt from the Medical Ultrasound Fact Sheet from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
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