When the doctor asked you to have a breast ultrasound, you felt a little scared and nervous, didn't you? You must have thought, 'Oh, do I have some serious illness?' It's true, everyone gets a little nervous when they hear something like that. But don't be afraid. Most of the time, this is just done to make sure there's something small that needs to be confirmed. So today, we'll talk about everything you need to know about a breast ultrasound in a very simple way.
What exactly is a Breast Ultrasound?
Simply put, this is a special test that takes pictures of what's inside your breast. It's similar to an ultrasound scan we do to see a baby in the womb. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create a clear image of the tissues, glands, and other things inside the breast on a computer screen.
One of the biggest advantages of this is that it does not use any radioactive rays like X-rays , making it a very safe test.
The doctor can use this scan to focus on a specific area of your breast and magnify it. For example, sometimes this scan is used to further investigate an area that is unclear after a mammogram.
A breast ultrasound can mainly determine whether a lump in the breast is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass. Fluid-filled cysts are usually not cancerous. If it is a solid mass, further testing may be needed.
When do you need a breast ultrasound?
There are several reasons why a doctor might ask you to have this scan. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Situation | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| After the mammogram | If your mammogram shows something unusual, unclear, or looks different from other tissue, this scan is done to look at it more clearly. |
| If you have a breast lump | If you, or your doctor, find something like a lump in your breast during an examination, this is done to determine its exact nature. |
| Pain in a specific place | If there is persistent pain in the same area of the breast, this test can help find the cause. |
| Dense Breast Tissue | Some women have denser breasts. For someone with denser breasts, it's difficult to see everything clearly with a mammogram alone. Therefore, an ultrasound is recommended as an additional test. |
| If you are under age | If you are younger than the age at which mammograms are usually recommended, and there is a concern, you may be offered an ultrasound first. |
| When doing a biopsy | When taking a piece of tissue from the breast for examination (biopsy), ultrasound is also used as a guide to take a sample from the exact location. |
How should I prepare before the scan?
This doesn't require much preparation, but there are a couple of important things to keep in mind:
- No deodorant, powder, or lotion: Do not apply any deodorant, powder, or lotion to your breast area or armpits on the day of the scan. Some of the ingredients in these products can blur the images from the scan.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Since you will be exposing your upper body, it will be easier for you to wear comfortable clothing that you can easily remove.
What happens during the scan?
To overcome your fear of this test, it is very important to know what will happen step by step during it.
1. Changing clothes: First, you will be asked to remove any clothing above the waist and any jewelry you are wearing, and put on a gown that can be opened in the front.
2. Positioning: You will then be positioned on an examination table to make the scan easier. This usually involves placing the arm on the side being scanned above your head.
3. Applying a Gel: Next, the technician will apply a watery, transparent gel to your breast and the transducer. This may feel a little cold, but it is this gel that helps the sound waves pass through the skin and into the tissues.
4. Scanning: Now a small, handheld device called a transducer is placed on your breast and moved in different directions to obtain the necessary images. You will not feel any pain during this time.
5. Taking pictures: The technician looks at the computer screen and takes the best and clearest pictures needed.
6. Discussing with the doctor: Sometimes, the technologist may leave the room and talk to the doctor. Don't panic at this point. It doesn't necessarily mean that something bad has been seen. The doctor may also come into the room and view the images from the scan in real time.
Usually, this entire process takes about 30 minutes .
What happens after the scan? When will the results be available?
After the scan is complete, any remaining gel will be wiped off your skin. Then, a radiologist will carefully review the images and prepare a report.
In most cases, the doctor will be able to give you a rough idea of the results before you leave, right after the scan is complete . They will let you know if the scan is benign, such as a cyst, or if it is malignant and needs further testing. If a biopsy is needed, you can schedule a time for that.
Is there any risk in this?
This is the most important thing. There are almost no risks involved in a Breast Ultrasound. Since it only uses sound waves, there is no exposure to radiation like a mammogram. Therefore, it is a test that can be safely performed even by a pregnant mother.
But there are some limitations to this. An ultrasound is usually used to look in depth at a specific area of the breast. The best way to examine the entire breast at once (screening) is still a mammogram. That's why sometimes, especially for people at high risk of breast cancer, doctors recommend doing both tests together.
When to see your doctor
Aside from having a breast ultrasound, it's important to keep an eye on your breast health. If you notice any of the following changes, be sure to see your doctor right away.
| Feature to pay attention to | Description |
|---|---|
| A new tumor or change | A new lump in the breast or armpit area, a change in an existing lump, or a dimpling of the skin. |
| Nipple changes | A discharge from the nipple, a previously outward nipple turning inward (inversion), or a change in the skin of the nipple. |
| If you have a breast implant | If you have had a breast implant and there is any suspicion that it has ruptured. |
Finally, it's normal to feel nervous and anxious when you're asked to have a breast ultrasound. But remember, this is a painless, safe, and very important test that helps your doctor get a clear picture of an area of your breast. The technician performing the scan will help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Not every lump you find is cancerous. Regardless of the outcome, your medical team will be with you to guide you on what steps to take next.
Take-Home Message
- Breast Ultrasound is a non-radioactive, very safe test that uses sound waves.
- This is mainly done to further examine a lump that was seen on a mammogram or felt by hand.
- This helps to accurately distinguish and identify whether a tumor is fluid-filled (cyst) or solid (solid mass).
- This process is not painful , and usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.
- Don't worry if you're asked to have a scan like this. It's a very common and important step used in diagnosis.
- If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, don't be afraid to talk about it and see a doctor as soon as possible.
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