What is an Ultrasound of the Breast?

An Ultrasound of the Breast is a procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to take images of one or both breasts. This test may be used to determine if an abnormality detected by mammography or a palpable lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor (benign or malignant). Ultrasound may also be used to identify masses in women whose breast tissue is too dense to be measured accurately by mammography. Ultrasound Breast may be used in some women who should avoid radiation, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, those younger than 25 years old, and women with silicone breast implants. Ultrasound may also be used to guide interventional procedures such as FNAs and biopsies.

What happens during an Ultrasound Breast?

A. Before your scan

What to bring

• Your request form
• Any relevant previous imaging
• Your Medicare card and any concession cards

Preparation – the day of your procedure

There is no specific preparation and you may eat and drink as desired before and after the procedure. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding your health status, medication, and any known allergies. You will be asked to remove jewellery and change into an examination gown for your scan.

B. During your Ultrasound Breast

Procedure

You will be made comfortable on the examination table and asked to uncover the area being examined. You may be asked to raise your arm above your head on the side that the breast is to be examined.

Gel will be applied to the area being imaged to help create a good contact between you and the ultrasound probe. The probe will be placed directly onto the gel and your skin for the duration of the examination. The sonographer will move the probe around on your skin at different angles to obtain images.

Your ultrasound will be performed by a Radiologist (medical specialist) or a sonographer (a specially trained technologist). Because the examiner is interpreting moving images on a screen a high degree of concentration is required.

Ultrasound examinations are not painful and generally not invasive but may be uncomfortable particularly if you need to move a body part that causes you discomfort.

Most ultrasound examinations will be completed within 30 minutes. It is not unusual for the radiologist to come in and speak with you and view the images on the screen. At the end of the procedure the gel is simply wiped from your skin so that it does not mark your clothes.

Risks and side effects

Ultrasounds are a very low risk procedure and complications are rare however you should be informed of the possible risks and side effects.

Risks associated with this procedure include:

• If scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the transducer.

Any medical procedure can potentially be associated with unpredictable risks.

Who will perform my Ultrasound Breast?

Your ultrasound will be performed by a Radiologist (medical specialist) or a sonographer (a specially trained technologist).

What happens after an Ultrasound Breast?

How do I get my results?

After your appointment, the information from your scan is interpreted by Envision’s Radiologist before delivery of a report to your doctor.

Post-procedure

You should be able to go about your daily activities after your appointment.