| What is a Breast Ultrasound procedure? | | | | to be examined in a mammogram) |
| As the term implies, a breast ultrasound test | | | | - When the woman is pregnant |
| makes use of high-frequency sound waves to | | | | - When the patient must not be exposed to |
| map an image of the breast. It is used to | | | | x-rays |
| examine, diagnose and treat conditions of the | | | | - When the patient has had breast implants |
| breasts. Ultrasound is different from a | | | | Another benefit of ultrasound tests is that they |
| mammogram, which uses x-ray. An ultrasound | | | | are non-invasive, painless and free of side effects. |
| test may be done following a mammogram to | | | | You can have an ultrasound as often as needed. |
| investigate its results. | | | | Results are instant, so it can be used to guide |
| How a Breast Ultrasound Works | | | | surgery. If you have a history of breast cancer in |
| First a device known as a transducer is moved | | | | your family, it is a good idea to have an |
| over the area to be scanned. The transducer | | | | ultrasound regularly for early detection. |
| emits sound waves which are then converted into | | | | What to Do Expect in a Breast Ultrasound Exam |
| an image by a computer. This image is called an | | | | Wear clothes that are easy to undress at the top. |
| ultrasound scan or sonogram, and can be viewed | | | | Remove the upper garment for the exam. |
| in a monitor. | | | | Remove all jewelry around the neck and breast |
| Uses of a Breast Ultrasound | | | | area. |
| A doctor may request for an ultrasound for | | | | A special gel will be applied on the skin. This |
| different reasons: | | | | facilitates scanning. |
| - To see what may be causing swelling, redness | | | | The result may be ready in 15-30 minutes. |
| or other discomfort | | | | A radiologist will interpret the ultrasound scan. |
| - To determine the nature of a breast tumor or | | | | Limitations of Breast Ultrasound |
| lump found during examination by either the | | | | As good as ultrasound may seem, it is not 100% |
| patient or doctor | | | | effective in all cases. Ultrasound is not a substitute |
| - To help with breast surgery, biopsy or draining | | | | for a mammogram or a physical examination by |
| of fluid | | | | a qualified doctor. This is because some anomalies |
| - To investigate the findings in a mammogram | | | | can only be seen through a mammography. Also |
| - To monitor the growth of a breast tumor | | | | sometimes an ultrasound test may be unable to |
| - To examine the breasts of women with dense | | | | determine if a tumor is malignant, in which case |
| breast mass (usually young women) | | | | biopsy (taking a sample of the tissue) would be |
| Advantages of Breast Ultrasound | | | | necessary. |
| Ultrasound tests are ideal for certain cases. | | | | Before you have an ultrasound test, make sure |
| Although the mammogram is still the best type of | | | | the hospital is duly equipped and meets the |
| examination tool, there are situations when a | | | | standard qualifications for it. You can check the |
| mammogram is not very effective or perhaps | | | | ACR database for certified facilities. You might |
| dangerous. Some cases in which an ultrasound | | | | also want to verify if the test is covered by your |
| may be preferred instead of a mammogram are: | | | | insurance. |
| - When the woman has dense breasts (too dense | | | | |