MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Breast Ultrasound

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Breast Ultrasound

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test	How the test will feel Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are

Illustrations

Female Breast

Alternative names Return to top

Ultrasonography of the breast

Definition Return to top

Breast ultrasound is the use of ultrasonic sound waves (sounds that cannot be heard by humans) to produce an image of breast tissue.

How the test is performed Return to top

You will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a medical garment (johnny top) suitable for use during the test. Your health care provider will explain the procedure. During the test, you will lie on your back on the examining table.

A water-soluble gel is placed on the transducer (a hand-held device that directs the high-frequency sound waves to the breast tissue) and on the breast.

The transducer is then moved over the surface of the breast to create a picture. The test is then repeated for the other breast, if necessary.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

Since you need to remove your clothing from the waist up, it may be helpful to wear a two-piece outfit. On the day of the test, do not use any lotions or powders on your breasts.

How the test will feel Return to top

The number of people involved in the test will be limited to protect your privacy.

You will be asked to raise your arms above your head and turn to the left or right as needed.

There is no discomfort from the ultrasound device.

Why the test is performed Return to top

Breast ultrasonography may be used to supplement mammography or as an independent examination.

Ultrasonography may be used in the following types of women to detect and classify breast lesions:

Women with dense breasts
Women with fibrocystic breast disease
Women with a lesion that cannot be well classified with mammography alone
Young women with masses
Pregnant women with masses
Women with silicon breast implants
Women who refuse exposure to X-rays (mammography)
Women who should not be exposed to X-rays

If a cystic lesion is identified, ultrasound can be used to guide needle drainage or biopsy.

Normal Values Return to top

Normally, the breast tissue will appear uniform and without masses.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Distinctive patterns may indicate:

Cysts
Benign lesions
Malignant lesions (breast cancer)

What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks associated with breast ultrasonography.

Update Date: 4/13/2004

Updated by: Jeffrey J. Brown, M.D., F.A.C.R., Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.