Breast Ultrasound, also known as sonography or ultrasonography, is frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic mammography or during a physician performed clinical breast exam. Ultrasound allows significant freedom in obtaining images of the breast from almost any orientation. Ultrasound is excellent at imaging cysts, which are round, fluid-filled pockets inside the breast.  Additionally, ultrasound can often quickly determine if a suspicious area is in fact a benign cyst (always non-cancerous) or a solid mass which, may require a biopsy to determine if it is malignant (cancerous).

Ultrasound is easy and painless; however, there could be some discomfort from the pressure applied to the transducer. You will be positioned on an exam table and a clear gel will be applied to your breast. A gel is used to eliminate the air bubbles between the transducer and your body since the sound waves travel poorly through air. The transducer is pressed against the skin and moved back and forth to visualize the area of interest.

For this exam, no preparation is needed. You should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing, and you may also be asked to change into an examination robe.