Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound exam in conducted, sometimes immediately following a diagnostic mammogram, where a lump or mass was detected. An ultrasound is used to determine if the lump or mass is solid, or contains fluid (also known as a cyst).
An ultrasound is a non-radiation, non-invasive imaging technique, which relies on sonar technology (sound waves). For the ultrasound you will be asked to lie still on your back while a technologist, called a sonographer, obtains images by gently pressing and rolling a hand-held transducer over areas of the breast or underarms.
Fluid-filled cysts are typically benign, but they can be quite tender and draining the fluid (called a Cyst Aspiration) may alleviate symptoms. If a lump or mass is found to be solid, a breast biopsy may be recommended.
The Carol Milgard Breast Center is fully accredited in Breast Ultrasound by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR only grants the gold seal of accreditation when a breast center provides patients the highest level of image quality and patient safety.
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?
