Breast Ultrasound

Overview

If you have a palpable mass, or a mass-like abnormality on your mammogram, an ultrasound can help us determine whether your mass is benign, or is of concern. Ultrasound can also help with biopsies. In an ultrasound-guided core biopsy, sound waves guide a biopsy needle to the correct site. Ultrasound can also help us to identify problems with breast implants.

Screening means to search for cancer in a patient with no symptoms. Most ultrasound machines were not designed for screening, but for diagnosis and biopsy, as described above. There is also an automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) machine, designed to screen higher-risk women. Although this is now an option, ultrasound is not meant to replace a screening mammogram.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of your breast tissue. Your doctor will be able to review this image on a video screen.