Women's Imaging: Breast Ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a very common exam in breast imaging. It is performed using sound waves to produce the image (no radiation exposure). Ultrasound is most typically performed as a supplemental exam to mammography.

Indications for breast ultrasound include:

Evaluation of a palpable mass or thickening - distinguishing solid and cystic lesions.
Evaluation of a finding on mammography or breast MRI.
Evaluation of focal symptoms in pregnant patients and patients under age 30 (to avoid radiation exposure to the breast).

Breast ultrasound is typically performed by a technologist who has been specially trained. A gel substance is placed on the skin of the breast and a small probe is rubbed over the breast to obtain the images. The images are always checked by the interpreting radiologist and the radiologist very commonly also examines the patient with ultrasound. The findings are discussed directly with the patient in consultation with the radiologist and the patient is given results in writing.

Ultrasound of the breast is not typically performed for screening purposes (for patients who have no symptoms). This is because it is a very operator-dependant exam, not easily reproducible from year to year and has a high false positive rate when used for screening. In our practice ultrasound is used for screening currently only in patients who have been designated as “high-risk” so they require additional screening beyond mammography but are unable to undergo breast MRI because of conditions including a pacemaker, severe obesity and severe claustrophobia.

Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.

Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9102
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)