What is breast ultrasound?

By Cristiano Antonino On Mar 22, 2023

Breast ultrasound is not a screening test. In the presence of a clinical symptom it may represent a first level test allowing to verify the origin of the symptom itself (solid or liquid lump, inflammatory collection, etc.)

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging test based on the use of ultrasound, therefore, noninvasive

When applied to the breast, it allows the study of the breast parenchyma and axillary cords.

In asymptomatic women, ultrasonography finds indication mainly as a second-level investigation following the performance of a mammogram and the finding of a suspicious alteration or a tissue with high density, that is, rich in fibro-ghiandular component.

Finally, ultrasonography allows exploration of the axillary cords normally poorly evaluated by mammography alone.

Who can perform breast ultrasound?

All women but with different indications according to different age groups.

Although in women younger than 40 years of age, in relation to the low incidence of breast cancer, there is no indication for preventive examinations, in the presence of significant familiarity (multiple cases of breast cancer in first- and/or second-degree relatives) it is advisable to perform breast ultrasound from the age of 30 years.

The test is not contraindicated in pregnancy but is not recommended in that condition because of increased parenchyma density in the gestation period.

When necessary, it may be suggested to characterize clinically appreciable lesions.

Ultrasonography, performed as a diagnostic adjunct to a mammogram in women older than 40 years and with dense breasts, increases their diagnostic ability by increasing their sensitivity, that is, their ability to recognize tumors.

Is breast ultrasound a painful or dangerous test?

It is an absolutely harmless and certainly not painful test, which may result in only slight discomfort in particularly sensitive patients.

How does it work?

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique based on the analysis of the echoes produced by an ultrasound beam passing through an organ or tissue.

In breast ultrasound, the radiologist performs the study of both breasts and axillary cords using a high-frequency probe specifically designed for soft tissue.

The test is performed with the patient lying supine and hands clasped behind the head; a gel is applied between the probe and skin to prevent the interposed air from blocking the ultrasound.

The complete procedure takes about 15 minutes.

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