Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound, Breast

Why It Is Done

Breast ultrasound is done to:

• Check a breast lump found on breast self-examination, physical examination, or mammogram. It is used to see whether a breast lump is fluid-filled (a cyst) or if it is a solid lump. A lump that has no fluid or that has fluid with floating particles may need more tests.
• Look at the breasts in younger women because their breast tissue is often more dense, and a mammogram may not show as much detail.
• Guide the placement of a needle or other tube to drain a collection of pus (abscess), take a sample of breast tissue (biopsy), or guide breast surgery.
• Watch the growth of a cyst or guide the placement of a needle to drain the cyst.
• Check your breasts if you have silicone breast implants or dense breasts. In these situations, a mammogram may not be able to see breast lumps.
• Find the cause of breast symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and redness.

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