Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound, Breast

How It Is Done

A breast ultrasound is usually done by a specially trained technologist.

You will be asked to undress above the waist. You will be given a gown to drape around your shoulders. Remove all jewelry from around your neck.

Gel will be put on your breast so the transducer can pick up the sound waves as it is moved back and forth over the breast. A picture of the breast tissue can be seen on a TV screen.

A breast ultrasound test usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. More time may be needed if a breast exam will be done or if a biopsy is also planned. You may be asked to wait until a radiologist has reviewed the pictures. The radiologist may want to do more ultrasound views of some areas of your breast.


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Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: April 12, 2006
Medical Review: Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
Arrow PointerHow It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits