Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to form images of tissues and other structures inside the breast. Ultrasound has the benefit of being able to produce images from multiple angles which assists in the diagnosis.

When is a breast ultrasound performed?

Doctors may request this exam for;

  • Women with a lesion that cannot be well classified with mammography alone
  • To clarify an abnormal finding on a mammogram
  • To determine whether a lump in the breast is a fluid filled cyst or a solid tumor.
  • To pinpoint a lump that cannot be felt so that fluid can be drawn out of it or a sample can be taken (breast biopsy)
  • Women with fibrocystic breast disease
  • Women with dense breasts
  • Young women with masses
  • Pregnant women with masses
  • Women with silicone breast implants

How is the test performed?

The woman lies on her back. The healthcare provider puts a small portion of gel on the woman's breast. This gel helps transmit sound waves.  The sonographer   moves the probe around on the breast to produce the images of the breast tissue.

The sound waves bounce off internal tissues of the breast and then return to the probe. A computer converts the sound waves into a black-and-white image. The radiologist can then read this image and render the report for the examination.

How long does it take?

Approximately 15-30 minutes.

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AdvantAGE Ontario

 Ontario Association of Radiology Managers - OARM

Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences - OAMRS

College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario - CMRTO

Independent Diagnostic CLinics Association - IDCA