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Breast ultrasound is important because your mammogram may not provide all the necessary information about a possible breast abnormality. Breast ultrasound can reveal whether a finding is cystic or solid which is important information for your physician to understand your breast health.
Breast ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the breast. It is simple and painless. Simple breast cysts are nearly always benign. Solid findings may be either benign or cancerous.
During the Procedure
Breast ultrasound takes approximately forty-five minutes, however the procedure may take longer depending on your individual needs.
A highly-trained technologist will place an ultrasound transducer on the breast along with a water-based gel. The gel helps the transducer move around smoothly and feels cool and slippery. It is harmless and removes easily.
The ultrasound transducer sends sound-wave patterns to a computer monitor, where the pictures are displayed. The technologist then relays the findings to the radiologist who completes the reading.
After the Procedure/Getting Your Results
You will receive your results after your procedure is complete. Please feel free to ask any questions or discuss any concerns that you may have. Your report will also be sent to your doctor.
Depending on the ultrasound findings, a biopsy may be necessary to obtain more information. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled at the Breast Diagnostic Center for this procedure. During a biopsy, a needle is used to remove a tiny amount of tissue for evaluation under a microscope. Microscopic evaluation allows the cells to be examined for abnormalities.
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