Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue using a small transducer pressed lightly on the skin with some gel. It is a safe procedure that produces no known side effects in the breast.

It is a useful diagnostic tool for evaluating many breast symptoms, and is often performed in addition to a mammogram in order to get more information. For example, it can help in the diagnosis of cysts. It is also useful as a means of performing breast biopsy.

The scan uses no radiation and is usually painless, unless your breasts are very sensitive. Please let our staff know this at the time of your appointment.

There is no special preparation. You can eat and drink normally on the day. No extra fluids are required.

You may be more comfortable if you wear a 2-piece outfit, because the sonographer will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist up and wear a gown. You may also need to remove jewellery from the chest and neck region.

A sonographer specially trained in breast ultrasound will perform your examination. You will be asked to lie on a couch, and to part your gown so that clear gel may be applied to the skin. The transducer will be gently rubbed over the skin so that images of the breast are obtained. The room will be darkened so that the sonographer can easily see the images on a screen.

Sometimes the radiologist will also come into the room to speak with you and take some further images. This is not uncommon.

Most breast ultrasounds are completed in 15-30 minutes.

You will be given a towel o that you may wipe the gel from your skin. It is non-staining.

The sonographer will discuss the images with the radiologist, who will then send a detailed report to your doctor.

Sometimes scans find changes that require breast biopsy and in most cases we will be able to discuss the findings with you and perform the biopsy either at the same time, or very soon afterwards.

WHEN DO I GET MY RESULTS?

Sometimes we are able to give you your results on the same day. We will send a report to your referring doctor. You should return to your doctor to discuss these results. Allow at least 2 days after your ultrasound for your follow-up visit with your doctor.