- those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- those who are under the age of 25
- those who have breast implants
- evaluating cases of mastitis, which is the inflammation of the mammary tissues
- assessing unusual nipple discharge
- monitoring breast implants
- examining skin changes, such as discoloration
- monitoring existing benign breast lumps
- verifying the results of other imaging tests, such as an MRI scan or a mammogram
- when the patient noticed it
- whether other symptoms are present
- whether it has progressed
Ultrasound gel being applied to a transducer
There are cases where the clinician will place a triangular pillow under the patient’s shoulder, causing the body to roll to one side. They may also raise the patient’s arm over their head. Both positions can make it easier for the sound waves to travel and for the tissue to receive them.
Once the sonographer has evenly spread the gel, they will pass a device called the transducer over the breast. This device sends sound waves through the breast and records their activity.
When a sound wave hits a tissue or structure during an ultrasound procedure, it bounces back. The ultrasound transducer then sends the following information to a computer: length of time it takes for the wave to bounce back, plus its volume, pitch, and frequency. The computer will then translate this information into an image referred to as a sonogram.
As the sonographer performs the ultrasound on the breast, he or she will examine all of its tissues and structures and take several images of different areas from various angles.
Moreover, it is common for them to create multiple still images of the lump and its surrounding areas. They may also take short moving videos.
After scanning the breast with the ultrasound transducer, the clinician will check the armpit for swollen or hard gland and nodes.
If a sonographer has any concerns about the accuracy of the results, then they may consult a radiologist for a second opinion. The radiologist may need to redo portions of the breast ultrasound to properly evaluate the area of concern.
Results
Although waiting for the results of a breast ultrasound can be stressful, it’s important to note that only few breast lumps pose a significant health risk.
For example, cysts typically don’t require any further treatment unless they are causing pain or are near blood vessels or breast ducts.
The results may be available the same day or a few days after the procedure, depending on the medical practice. In the majority of cases, the results from the breast ultrasound will go to a primary care physician who will call the patient to discuss them or explain them during an office visit.
There are other factors which can influence how quickly the results are available:
- the potential risk of symptoms and the need for prompt treatment
- whether the radiologist needs more information to interpret the results
- whether the doctor needs to compare the results to previous ultrasounds or the results of other imaging tests, such as a CT scan or X-ray
- whether the symptoms could be the result of an underlying condition
- whether the facility is delivering the results by email, fax, phone, or post
- Cysts – a fluid-filled sac in the breast
- Fibrocystic breasts – noncancerous changes that give a breast a lumpy or ropelike texture
- Fibroadenoma – a noncancerous breast tumor that most often occurs in young women
- Fatty lumps comprising bruised, dead, or injured mammary fat cells
- Hyperactive breast glands – occurs when there’s an increase in the number of cells lining the ducts or lobules of the breasts
- Intraductal papilloma – a wart-like lump that develops in one or more of the milk ducts in the breast
- Hormone conditions, changes, or therapies
- Certain medications – such as birth control pills
- Mastitis or breast infection