Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is most commonly used to determine whether a breast lump or mass is solid or fluid-filled. Ultrasound studies use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of certain areas of the body. The sound waves are reflected from the area being examined to a handheld instrument, which is passed back and forth over the skin. A technologist views the images on a video monitor and captures certain frames that will be interpreted by the radiologist. There is no radiation exposure during the procedure.

What to expect

During an ultrasound, the patient will lie on a table and an instrument called a transducer will be passed across the skin after a gel is placed on the instrument or on the skin. Images will appear on a monitor and the technologist will capture certain frames that will aid the radiologist in making a diagnosis. Once a study is complete, you can resume normal activity.

How to prepare

If you are having a breast biopsy, do not take any aspirin or Coumadin for 5 days prior to your exam and do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the exam.

Getting your results

After your study is over, the images will be evaluated by one of our board certified radiologists. A final report will be sent to your physician who can then discuss the results with you in detail.