Ultrasound is a non-invasive test using high-frequency sound waves to help evaluate breast tissue. Ultrasound can:

• Determine whether an abnormality is solid or filled with fluid (a cyst).
• Be used during a biopsy to guide needle placement in order to sample a tissue.
• Be a choice for women who have silicone breast implants or for women who are pregnant and should not be exposed to radiation from a mammogram.

 What to expect during a breast ultrasound

• A trained technologist applies gel to your breast; the gel helps the machine identify sound waves.
• The technologies moves a hand-held transducer back and forth over your breast and a picture of the breast tissue is generated on a computer screen.
• This painless procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes.

 Results

A radiologist reviews your ultrasound and sends your referring health care provider a written report that details the findings. Your physician will contact you with your results. 

Learn more about other diagnostic procedures: Breast MRI, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Bone Density Testing