A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the breast. A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast, including the area close to the chest wall. Breast ultrasound does not use X-rays or other types of radiation.
A breast ultrasound is most often used to check a breast lump found on breast self-examination, physical examination, or on a mammogram. An ultrasound can tell if a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is solid. A lump that has no fluid or that has fluid with floating particles may need more tests.
A breast ultrasound does not cause pain. A small handheld unit called a transducer is gently passed over the breast. A computer converts the sound waves into a picture that is shown on a TV screen. The picture is called a sonogram, echogram, or ultrasound scan.
Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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