Breast Imaging Services

Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves to scan the breast to further locate, measure and evaluate abnormal changes or lesions found through mammography.

Ultrasound can determine if a breast lump is solid (a benign or malignant tumor) or filled with fluid (cyst). When used in addition to mammography in women with dense breasts, ultrasound increases the doctor’s ability to detect breast cancer or confirm a benign tumor.

Because breast ultrasound is not as sensitive and specific for diagnosing breast cancer as mammography, it is not used routinely as a screening method. But it is very helpful in evaluating palpable (felt on examination) masses in young women.