Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound, Breast

What To Think About

• An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy may allow your doctor to confirm a suspicious lump is benign without surgery.
• A breast ultrasound may occasionally be used instead of a mammogram if you are younger than 25 and have concerns about X-rays or should not be exposed to any radiation because you are pregnant. For more information, see the medical test Mammogram.
• A breast ultrasound may be useful for screening young women with a family history of breast cancer. More study is needed to see if ultrasound is good for this purpose.
• An ultrasound does not replace a mammogram. An ultrasound can be used to check a problem seen on a mammogram. It can also be used to show more detail in women who have dense breasts. For more information, see the medical test Mammogram.
• A breast MRI is another type of test that may be used for breast exams after surgery or to check dense breast tissue.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: April 3, 2008
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
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