Breast Cancer Ultrasound

Breast Cancer Ultrasound Uses Explained Simply and Clearly Here so You Can Understand How it Helps

A breast cancer ultrasound is a test that checks for breast cancer cysts or breast cancer.  It is often done after a mammogram shows a smooth lump that can’t be completely shown as being breast cancer.  A mammogram does a good job of looking at breast cancer anatomy but can’t always tell the difference between a solid tumor or a cyst-like tumor.  Cyst-like tumors are often not cancerous, while solid tumors are more likely to be cancerous.

Breast cancer ultrasound is a completely painless procedure.  A technician uses a probe on the breast. A gel makes contact between the breast and the probe so that a breast cancer ultrasound can be done.

The attached picture shows what a breast cancer ultrasound looks like.  The probe moves over the breast. It locates any solid or cystic tumors.  It is a good test to be done after a questionable mammogram but does not replace a mammogram as a screening test.

What a Breast Cancer Ultrasound Can do

Breast cancer ultrasound does little to improve breast cancer survival rates. It is a breast cancer image that best tells the difference between a solid and cystic tumor.  If the tumor is cystic, the doctor can remove the fluid from the cyst under ultrasound guidance.  The fluid can be checked for cancer cells but is usually noncancerous.

When you do a breast self exam, a cyst feels smooth and firm but not hard.  A breast cancer tumor usually feels irregular and very tough under your fingers.  An ultrasound can help you tell the difference between the two types of tumors.  A cyst is benign in most cases. It can be detected by breast cancer ultrasound.

How Does a Breast Cancer Ultrasound Work?

The breast cancer ultrasound is also called ultrasonography.  It uses high frequency waves of sound to see the ultrasound pictures inside the body.  The pictures show up on a screen and are dynamic.  That means that they change when the probe is moved.  There are no x-rays in breast cancer ultrasound tests.  The images show up in real time. This helps the doctor to take a sample of any fluid they find.  Solid tumors can sometimes have needle biopsies using ultrasound guidance.

The breast cancer image on the breast cancer ultrasound looks like the following photo.

The layers of the breast are clearly seen and, if there was a cyst on the breast anatomy, it would look like a dark circle.  The dark circle can be reached with a needle in most cases.  It can be found on breast self exam if it is close to the surface of the breast.  It may not be found on a breast self exam if it is deep within the breast anatomy.

What a Breast Cancer Ultrasound is Used For

A breast cancer ultrasound is used to tell the difference between a solid and cystic lesion of a breast.  It can tell whether or not surgical biopsy is needed or whether a needle biopsy can be done.  It can help a doctor drain a breast cancer cyst.

A breast cancer ultrasound is usually done after mammography has shown a lesion.  This is not always the case, however.  Ultrasound can help define the mass seen on breast self exam in women who have a lot of cysts in their breast.  The cysts can be removed using the ultrasound machine and a skilled hand with a needle.

Some lesions in the breast can be both cystic and solid.  This means they may be benign or cancerous.  A needle biopsy or open biopsy can help identify what kind of lesion it is.   The fluid and solid cells are looked at under the microscope. If the lesion is cancerous, further surgery can be done.  If the lesion is benign, it can be drained of fluid and rechecked at a later date.

Breast cancer ultrasound can be done if the breasts are dense and difficult to see with mammography.  An MRI of the breast is another test doctors use to see if there are cancerous lumps in the breast that can’t be seen under mammogram.   If a woman can’t tolerate MRI exams due to claustrophobia, a breast cancer ultrasound is a good second option.  It can affect breast cancer survival rates in some women.

If a woman has implants, breast cancer ultrasound is a good test to do.

If a woman is pregnant and can’t have x-rays, an ultrasound is a good option.

For ultrasound guided biopsies, breast anatomy is clearly seen and the needle can be guided toward the cystic area.

Preparing For a Breast Cancer Ultrasound

You should undress from the waist up. You probably shouldn’t have heavy perfume or powder on the affected area.  A gel will be used to make contact between the skin and the probe.  You are lying down for the procedure.  There really isn’t anything to worry about, no pain, no real mess.

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