determine whether a lump in the breast is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumour
pinpoint a lump that cannot be felt so that fluid can be drawn out of it or a tissue sample can be taken
An ultrasound may also be used if a woman has possible signs of breast cancer or instead of a mammogram. Some examples include:
a pregnant woman whose foetus could be harmed by the radiation of a mammogram
a woman younger than 25 years, because younger women often have dense breast tissue that's difficult to see clearly on a mammogram
a woman whose silicone breast implants may obscure findings on a mammogram
a woman who refuses a mammogram due to fear of radiation
How is the test performed? The test takes about 15 minutes. A doctor can perform this test in an office, clinic, or hospital. Usually, a woman puts on a hospital gown that opens at the front before the test.
There are two ways to perform the test:
A woman may lie on her stomach on a special examination table. Set into part of the table is a tank of heated water. The breast being examined goes into the water. A scanning tool that sends out sound waves is placed at the bottom of the tank.
A woman may lie on her back. A gel that helps transmit sound waves is put on her breast. A scanning tool that sends out sound waves is moved around directly on the breast.
In either method, the sound waves bounce off internal tissues of the breast and then return to the scanning tool. A computer coverts the sound waves into a black-and-white image. The doctor can then read this image of the internal part of the breast.
In some cases, a needle may be inserted at the time of the ultrasound to obtain tissue for a breast biopsy. The images from the ultrasound help guide the needle into the right area of the breast.
When the test is finished, the breast is dried or the gel wiped off . The woman may then dress and leave.
What is involved in preparation for the test? On the day of the test, the woman should not put on any lotions or powders on her breast. No other preparation is generally required.
What do the test results mean? Test results are usually sent to the woman's doctor, who then discusses them with her. In some cases, ultrasound will show no problem in the breast. Abnormal findings may include:
a benign cyst, which means the lump or mass is not cancer
a bruise
breast cancer, which can only be diagnosed if a needle was used to sample a piece of breast tissue
other benign tumours, such as one called a fibroadenoma
Author: Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
