Breast ultrasound uses sound waves that cannot be heard by humans to look at the breast.
Alternative NamesUltrasonography of the breast; Sonogram of the breast
How the test is performedYou will be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a medical gown. During the test, you will lie on your back on the examining table.
A water-soluble gel is placed on the skin of the breast. A hand-held device (transducer) directs the sound waves to the breast tissue. The transducer is moved over the skin of the breast to create a picture that can be seen on a screen.
Breast ultrasound may also be used to guide a needle during a breast biopsy.
How to prepare for the testBecause you need to remove your clothing from the waist up, it may be helpful to wear a two-piece outfit. On the day of the test, do not use any lotions or powders on your breasts or wear deodorant under your arms.
How the test will feelThe number of people involved in the test will be limited to protect your privacy.
You will be asked to raise your arms above your head and turn to the left or right as needed.
There is no discomfort from the ultrasound.
Why the test is performedCommon uses of ultrasound are:
Normal breast tissue.
Normally, the breast tissue will be uniform and will not have any suspicious growths.
What abnormal results meanUltrasound can help show noncancerous growths such as cysts, fibroadenomas, or lipomas. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. A fibroadenoma is a noncancerous solid growth. Lipomas are noncancerous fatty lumps that can occur anywhere in the body, including the breasts.
Breast cancers can also be seen with ultrasound.
What the risks areThere are no risks associated with breast ultrasound. There is no radiation exposure.
ReferencesKim CH, Bassett LW. Imaging-guided core needle biopsy of the breast. In: Bassett LW, Jackson VP, Fu KL, Fu YS, eds. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 17.
The CPT code for a breast ultrasound is 76641 for a unilateral breast ultrasound and 76642 for a bilateral breast ultrasound. These codes are used to describe the procedure of using ultrasound technology to evaluate breast tissue. It's important to use the correct code based on the specific circumstances of the examination.
Mammogram, breast ultrasound, and if indicated, bloodwork.
yes
I found my breast lump through self breast exams; then had a mammogram and ultrasound, then lumpectomy which confirmed breast cancer diagnosis.
An ultrasound examination may reveal either normal tissue or a benign condition such as a cyst. Ultrasound can confidently diagnose a benign structure that has certain characteristics of a simple cyst.
The patient removes her clothing from the waist up and puts on a hospital gown, open in the front. She lies on her back or side on an examining table. A gel that enhances sound transmission is spread over the area to be examined.
Toshiji Kobayashi has written: 'Clinical ultrasound of the breast' -- subject(s): Atlases, Breast, Breast Neoplasms, Cancer, Diagnosis, Diagnostic use, Ultrasonic imaging, Ultrasonics
Ultrasound, breast(s) (unilateral or bilateral), with real time with image documentation
Ultrasound is often used after a mammogram to provide additional imaging when a suspicious area is identified. It helps differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, which can aid in determining the nature of a breast abnormality. Additionally, ultrasound can be useful for guiding biopsies or assessing areas that are difficult to evaluate with mammography alone, especially in women with dense breast tissue. Ultimately, it enhances diagnostic accuracy and can help in early detection of breast cancer.
Wolfgang Leucht has written: 'Teaching atlas of breast ultrasound' -- subject(s): Atlases, Breast, Breast Diseases, Diagnosis, Diseases, Mammography, Tumors, Ultrasonic imaging, Ultrasonography
Mammogram and ultrasound can't catch every abnormal or cancerous cell in the breast, but they do a good job of detecting important groups of abnormal cells. Talk with your health care provider if you feel you are at higher risk of breast cancer. Your provider may be able to discuss strategies for screening and risk modification.
That would be a "hard pea-sized lump that doesn't show up on ultrasound".