What is this test?
Bilateral imaging test of the breast to check for breast lumps or other breast abnormalities found during a physical exam or mammography.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To help with the diagnosis of lump in your breast.
- To find the cause of pain or tenderness in your breast.
- To find the cause of other breast abnormalities, such as unusual nipple discharge or change in appearance or texture of your nipple or breast skin.
- Instead of mammography for young or pregnant females.
- When tumor visibility in mammograms is reduced by breast tissue density.
- To perform ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.
- To find breast implant leaks and other problems.
Procedure:
- You will be asked to remove your clothes and wear a hospital gown.
- Your body will be exposed above the waist up.
- You will be requested to lie down on the ultrasound table.
- A gel will be applied directly over the area of ultrasound.
- A harmless transducer will be moved over your breast skin.
- Gel is wiped off from your skin and you can get dressed.
Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the breast tissue. It uses a small probe called a transducer and a gel directly on the skin. These high-frequency sound waves bounce back from the breast tissue and are collected by the transducer to produce an image that will show the internal tissue and blood flow.
- Is this test safe during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe during pregnancy because unlike x-rays and CT scans, ultrasound doesn’t use harmful radiations.
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test. However, wear loose-fitting clothes and leave your jewelries at home. Avoid applying powders and lotions on the body before the ultrasound.
- How long will this procedure take?
This procedure hardly takes half an hour. You can continue your scheduled work as soon as it is performed.
- What are the risks of this test?
There are no risks of this test. However, studies reveal that diagnostic ultrasound might have harmful effects on humans. Additional procedures such as aspiration and biopsy contain a risk element.
- How will the test feel?
It is a painless and non-invasive procedure, you may feel a little pain if you already have breast pain or tenderness. You will feel a little cold when the gel is being applied to your skin.
A radiologist will examine the images produced during ultrasound and send a detailed report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the potential issues with you if any.
- Interpretation of test results:
Lumps such as tumors, cysts, and growths will appear dark on the imaging. Your doctor will diagnose the cause of the lump. It can be:
- Fibrocystic breast disease.
- Fibroadenoma.
- Intraductal papilloma.
- Breast fat necrosis.
- Or breast cancer.
