What is a Breast Ultrasound?

Breast Ultrasound Basics

Breast sonography is a diagnostic testing technique that aids doctors in diagnosing breast tumors and determining whether the tumors are solid or cystic (liquid) in consistency. This is a great diagnostic tool for several reasons: it can be utilized instead of a mammogram, thus avoiding unnecessary radiation; ultrasound is accurate at determining the difference between a benign cystic mass, a benign solid mass, and a possible cancerous mass; and a breast ultrasound can be used to aid a doctor with a biopsy or with the removal of a cyst.

The preparation and procedure for a breast ultrasound is quite simple: the patient removes clothing and jewelry from the waist up and puts on a medical gown. The breast or breasts being examined are exposed, much like during a mammogram. A camera, or transducer, is moved over the breast in a clock-like fashion, checking the tissue from all angles. Specific attention is paid to the area(s) with palpable lumps or pain or mammographic findings.

Reasons for a breast ultrasound include:

A Palpable Breast Lump or Pain

Often, a woman will feel a breast lump or lumps, and worry that she has cancer. This is a very common concern. Sometimes a woman's gynecologist feels a lump upon examination, and will send her patient for a breast ultrasound. In either case, ultrasound is utilized because it can quickly and easily determine if there is an actual breast tumor, and whether a tumor is solid, cystic, or a combination of the two. This helps a doctor determine whether a mass is benign or malignant.

In terms of breast pain, an ultrasound can also detect clogged milk ducts or other conditions that can cause discomfort or pain. Cysts (benign, fluid-filled masses) can cause breast pain when they are large in size.

Follow-up Testing After a Mammogram

Sometimes after a routine mammogram, it may be necessary to have a breast ultrasound. If the reading radiologist--- the doctor who views the mammograms--- sees something suspicious or unidentifiable on the mammogram, a follow-up breast ultrasound can give a better view of the area in question.

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy or Cyst Aspiration

If a questionable breast mass is found, a doctor might order an ultrasound-guided biopsy to determine whether the mass is benign or malignant. Ultrasound is utilized to locate the questionable area and guide the doctor in taking a tissue sample from the mass (a biopsy.) Only a breast biopsy can determine whether the mass is cancerous or benign.

If a patient has an uncomfortable breast cyst or cysts, a doctor can perform an ultrasound-guided aspiration. This drains the fluid from a cyst, thereby reducing its size or completely removing it. The ultrasound camera or transducer guides the doctor during this process.

For further reference: Radiologyinfo.org

• For more information about women's diagnostic tests, read What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound? and What is a Pelvic Ultrasound?
• For related health information, visit the General Health ARTICLE INDEX.

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