Sonar technology aids search for lumps
A breast ultrasound relies on sonar technology to determine if a lesion discovered during a mammography exam is solid or contains fluid. An ultrasound technologist or sonagrapher obtains images by gently pressing and rolling a hand-held transducer over areas of the breast or underarms. Typically, fluid-filled lumps are cysts, and are usually benign (non-cancerous). In such a case, a healthcare provider may rule out further treatment and monitor you more closely for some time or opt to
aspirate the cyst. Breast biopsies are recommended for solid lumps.
Cyst Aspiration
A breast lump that you can feel might make you worry about cancer. Breast cyst aspiration can help your doctor find out if the lump you feel is a cyst or a tumor. Aspiration of breast cyst is done with ultrasound so that a small needle can be inserted to the cyst and the fluid drained.
Find out more
Read our Fast Facts for answers to your questions.
- What will my breast ultrasound be like?
- What happens if an abnormality is spotted? Does that mean I have cancer?
- My doctor told me I needed to get more tests. Why?
- What are some of the risk factors associated with breast cancer?
- How accurate is breast ultrasound?
- Why is early detection so important?
- What is a cyst aspiration?
- What is a wire localization?
