Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue and examine it for solid masses and other abnormalities. This procedure is often performed after early signs of cancer appear during a mammogram or breast self-exam.
In addition to diagnosing masses and other abnormalities, breast ultrasound can also be used to:
- Determine the cause of pain, swelling and redness in the breast
- Determine whether breast lumps are fluid-filled cysts or solid lumps
- Screen for breast cancer in patients with implants or dense breasts
- Guide the placement of a needle to drain fluid or sample breast tissue
Ultrasound is one of the most commonly performed diagnostic procedures and is pain-free for most patients, producing highly accurate results with only minimal risk factors. It can be used to detect many different types of abnormalities within the breast tissue, including cysts, abscesses, fibroadenomas, muscle layers, lobes and more.