Breast Sonography/Ultrasound
Breast sonography/ultrasound is one of the most useful ways to examine some types of breast changes, such as lumps. Ultrasound is also helpful when examining changes in women with dense breast tissue.
Breast sonography/ultrasound develops a picture of the inside of the breast using sound waves. A physician places gel on the breast and then moves a microphone-like instrument called a transducer over the focus area. The transducer emits sound waves, picking up echoes off the body’s tissues. The echoes are then made into a picture on a computer.
Ultrasound provides more detail than mammograms, is easy on the patient, and is safe. The procedure can frequently determine the difference between non-cancerous cysts and solid masses, which might require further testing.
Ultrasound can also be used to help guide a biopsy needle to test an area for cancer.