Advanced and Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound

Women with dense breasts may benefit from a diagnostic breast ultrasound to supplement their breast cancer screening. The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue. Unlike mammograms, which use X-rays, ultrasounds don’t rely on density to detect abnormalities. Instead, they can visualize different tissue types more clearly, making them especially useful for women with dense breasts.

What Should I Expect During a Breast Ultrasound?

During a breast ultrasound, here’s what you can expect:

1. Preparation: You won’t need any special preparation for a breast ultrasound. You may be asked to wear a gown and remove any jewelry or clothing from the waist up.
2. Positioning: You’ll lie on your back on an examination table. Your breast will be exposed for the ultrasound examination.
3. Gel Application: A technician or radiologist will apply a clear gel to your breast. This gel helps the ultrasound probe make better contact with your skin and allows the sound waves to travel more easily.
4. Ultrasound Probe: The technician or radiologist will then move a small handheld device called a transducer over your breast. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off the structures inside your breast.
5. Image Formation: As the sound waves bounce back, they are converted into images on a computer screen. You might see these images in real time during the procedure.
6. Entire Breast Examination: The technician or radiologist will carefully examine the entire breast, focusing on any areas of concern identified during a previous screening mammogram or clinical examination.
7. Comfort: The procedure is painless and non-invasive. You may feel slight pressure from the transducer as it’s moved over your breast, but it’s usually well-tolerated by most patients.
8. Duration: A breast ultrasound typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes to complete, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances.
9. Results: After the examination, a radiologist will review the ultrasound images and provide a report to your healthcare provider. You may receive the results during the same appointment or at a follow-up visit.

What Follow-Up Tests Might My Doctor Order?

After a breast screening ultrasound, if abnormalities are found or further evaluation is needed, your doctor may recommend additional follow-up tests to gather more information and make an accurate diagnosis.

One common follow-up test is an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. If the ultrasound reveals a suspicious area, your doctor may want to take a small sample of tissue for analysis. During an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, a radiologist uses ultrasound imaging to precisely target the abnormal area and guide a needle to collect tissue samples. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormalities are present.

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend additional imaging tests such as a breast MRI or a follow-up screening mammogram. A breast MRI can provide detailed ultrasound images of the breast tissue from different angles, helping to further evaluate any suspicious findings. It’s especially useful in detecting abnormalities that may not be visible on mammograms or ultrasounds alone.

Overall, the specific follow-up tests your doctor orders will depend on the findings of your diagnostic breast ultrasound and your individual medical history. These additional tests are essential for accurately diagnosing any abnormalities and determining the best course of action for your breast health.