What Is a Breast Ultrasound? What Women Should Know
Learn what a breast ultrasound is, why it may be recommended, what to expect during the exam, and how it works alongside other breast imaging.
Austin Imaging and Lab
10/7/20263 min read
If you've ever felt a lump, noticed a change in your breast, or been told that you need additional breast imaging, you may have questions about what happens next.
One of the imaging tools your healthcare provider may recommend is a breast ultrasound.
Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the breast. Unlike mammography, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation. It is noninvasive and generally well tolerated.
What Happens During a Breast Ultrasound?
During the examination, you'll lie on your back while a Registered Sonographer applies ultrasound gel to the breast and uses a handheld transducer to obtain images.
The sonographer examines the breast tissue in real time and may spend additional time looking at a specific area if you have a lump, focal pain, or another concern.
Ultrasound can help characterize a breast finding and determine whether it appears fluid-filled, solid, or has other characteristics that help the radiologist determine the appropriate next step.
Why Might Someone Need a Breast Ultrasound?
There are several reasons a healthcare provider may recommend a breast ultrasound.
Breast ultrasound may be used to evaluate a palpable lump or area of concern, a breast abnormality found during a physical examination, or a finding seen on another breast imaging study.
Depending on your age, symptoms, breast density, personal history, and other risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend different types of breast imaging.
Is a Breast Ultrasound a Replacement for a Mammogram?
No. This is one of the most important things we want women to understand.
Mammography and ultrasound provide different types of information. Ultrasound can be an important tool for evaluating certain breast findings, but it does not replace mammography for routine breast cancer screening.
Depending on your age, symptoms, breast density, personal history, and other risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more types of breast imaging.
What If I Have Dense Breasts?
Dense breast tissue means there is more glandular and connective tissue compared with fatty tissue.
Ultrasound can sometimes show findings that are difficult to see on a mammogram, which is one reason supplemental ultrasound may be considered for some women with dense breasts.
However, supplemental ultrasound can also lead to additional testing and false-positive findings. Whether additional imaging is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does a Breast Ultrasound Hurt?
A breast ultrasound is generally well tolerated. You may feel some pressure from the transducer, particularly if the area being examined is already tender, but the examination should not be painful.
There are no needles or injections involved in a standard breast ultrasound.
What Happens After the Ultrasound?
The images are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist, who prepares a report for the healthcare provider who ordered the examination.
Depending on the findings, additional imaging or follow-up may be recommended.
Being asked to have additional imaging does not automatically mean that you have cancer. Many breast findings that require additional evaluation turn out to be benign.
When Should You Talk With Your Healthcare Provider?
If you notice a new lump, focal breast pain, nipple changes, skin changes, or another change that concerns you, talk with your healthcare provider. Don't wait for your next routine screening appointment if you have a new or concerning symptom.
Your healthcare provider can help determine which type of breast imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms, age, medical history, and individual risk factors.
Breast Ultrasound at Austin Imaging and Lab
At Austin Imaging and Lab, our Registered Sonographers perform breast ultrasound examinations with a focus on careful imaging, patient comfort, and compassionate care.
We offer breast imaging at our Austin, San Marcos, and Round Rock locations. If you have questions about breast ultrasound or would like to learn more about our services, we're happy to help.
Call us at 512-662-3621 or visit austinimagingandlab.com to learn more or schedule an appointment.
