ENHANCED BREAST SCREENING
WOMEN’S HEALTH
02. When is a breast ultrasound done?
Ultrasound is primarily used to help diagnose breast changes, breast lumps or other abnormalities that may have been found during a physical exam, mammogram, or breast MRI. Ultrasound scans are safe, non-invasive and do not use ionising radiation.
Instances where a breast ultrasound is performed include:
when there’s an area on the mammogram that needs to be looked at more closely to see if lumps are fluid-filled (cysts) or solid (benign/tumour) and irregular/regular in shape to see if an area of thickening is breast tissue or a tumour to examine breasts with implants to assess the implant and overlying breast tissue to investigate an abnormal area seen on an MRI to guide needle biopsy of breast lumps A breast ultrasound may be recommended instead of a mammogram if you’re under 40, as your breast tissue may be too dense for the mammogram to accurately detect any abnormalities.
If you’re over 40 and present with a breast lump, you’ll be advised to have both a mammogram and a breast ultrasound scan.
03. Breast ultrasound preparation
You can eat and drink as usual before the test, but don't put any lotions or powders on your breasts. Wear clothing that you can take off easily – once in the ultrasound room, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist up, and then lie down on the examination couch.
The consultant radiologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have.
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