A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate detailed, real-time images of the tissues inside the breast. This diagnostic tool investigates abnormalities, such as lumps found during a physical exam or on a mammogram. It is especially useful for evaluating dense breast tissue, which can obscure findings on an X-ray, and for determining whether a suspicious mass is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid structure. The procedure does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe option.
Preparing for Your Ultrasound Appointment
Preparing for this imaging test involves simple steps to ensure the best image quality and a smooth appointment. Patients should select easily removable clothing, such as a two-piece outfit, since they will need to undress from the waist up and wear a gown. It is advisable to leave all jewelry at home or remove it before the test, especially necklaces that might interfere with the chest area.
Avoid applying powders, lotions, deodorants, or perfumes to the breast or underarm areas on the day of the appointment. These cosmetic products can create artifacts or shadows on the ultrasound images, making the results harder for the radiologist to interpret accurately. Patients should confirm they have necessary paperwork, such as a referral and insurance information. Arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled time allows for check-in and administrative steps before the technologist is ready.
How Long the Breast Ultrasound Takes
The actual time spent performing the breast ultrasound is surprisingly short, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, though this duration can vary based on the specifics of the case. For example, a basic screening ultrasound of the whole breast may be completed toward the shorter end of this range. However, a diagnostic ultrasound, which is focused on investigating a specific lump or an area flagged by a mammogram, often requires more time for detailed measurements and image capture.
The complexity of the examination is the primary factor influencing the duration. If the technologist needs to examine multiple areas or the lymph nodes in the armpit, the procedure will take longer. If a radiologist is on-site and requests additional images or views of a particular finding, the scan time can extend beyond the initial estimate. The total time spent at the facility, including check-in, undressing, the scan, and dressing again, will be longer than the actual 15 to 30 minutes of scanning time.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Procedure
Once the patient is escorted into the examination room, the technologist will provide a gown and ask them to undress from the waist up. The patient is then asked to lie on their back on the examination table, the standard position for the scan. To help spread the breast tissue evenly and improve image access, the patient is often asked to raise the arm on the side being examined above their head.
The technologist applies a clear, water-based gel to the skin over the area being studied. This gel eliminates air pockets between the skin and the transducer, allowing sound waves to transmit effectively. The handheld transducer device is then pressed gently but firmly against the skin and moved back and forth across the area of interest. Patients may feel slight pressure from the transducer, but the procedure is not painful as the technologist captures internal images on the monitor.
Timeline for Receiving Your Results
After the imaging procedure is complete, the technologist will wipe the conductive gel from the skin, and the patient can get dressed immediately. The images captured are then sent to a specialized physician, known as a radiologist, who will analyze the detailed images and interpret the findings. This image review process involves characterizing any masses as either fluid-filled (cystic) or solid and assigning a standardized assessment category, such as the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) score.
The timeline for receiving the final results can vary depending on the imaging center and the nature of the exam. For diagnostic ultrasounds performed immediately after a mammogram, results may sometimes be provided before the patient leaves the facility. In other cases, the radiologist’s finalized report is sent to the referring physician within 24 to 48 hours, or up to a few business days. The referring physician is responsible for communicating the outcome to the patient, often through a follow-up appointment, a patient portal, or a direct phone call.