Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of the breast. Ultrasound can show the difference between fluid-filled cysts and tumors. Cysts are usually not cancerous. Ultrasound does not use radiation. It may be used for women with dense breasts . It may also be used during pregnancy to reduce exposure to X rays.

An ultrasound is performed using a wand. Image Credit: M_a_y_a / iStock / Getty Images

Keeping You Informed

It is important to be familiar with your breasts and to bring any concerns to your doctor.

About 1 in 10 women may be called back for more testing after a screening mammogram. Most (95%) do not have cancer. ^3,75

An ultrasound helps locate small, invasive, node-negative cancers that may be missed during mammogram imaging.²⁵ It is also used for women with dense breasts. Dense breasts make it difficult to see breast tissue clearly on a mammogram. Half of all women age 40 or older have dense breasts, and ultrasound may be needed. You are more likely to have dense breasts if you are younger, pregnant/breastfeeding, taking hormone replacement therapy, or have a lower body weight.⁷⁷