Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound produces images of the breast tissue using sound waves. It is used in conjunction with mammograms to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities found during physical examination, mammography or MRI. Breast Ultrasound is also useful for patients with dense breast tissue. 

Ultrasound does not replace mammograms as many breast cancers are not visible on ultrasound. One of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be calcium deposits called micro-calcifications. These will only show up on mammograms. 

A breast ultrasound is non-invasive, painless and soundless – but it does involve a little jelly! A sonographer will place a water-based gel over the areas of your breast they wish to examine. Taking an ultrasound probe they’ll move it around the different areas – you’ll see the images pop up onscreen. The same technique is used to scan women during pregnancy so breast ultrasound is safe for woman who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

A breast ultrasound is our first port of call for younger patients. This is because the natural higher density of your breast tissue can make a mammogram more difficult to read. The ultrasound can distinguish between solid and fluid filled lesions and should an abnormality be found, a diagnostic mammogram would then be performed.

Results are ready approximately 15-30 mins after the scan. This allows our specialist breast radiologists time to review your imaging. If any abnormalities are detected, our clinical team will discuss the findings with you and recommend any necessary follow-up.