What is a breast sonogram?

breast sonogram, also called ultrasound, is a medical imaging procedure that uses sound waves to look at the tissue inside the breast. Breast sonograms are often used for further diagnosis and evaluation after finding lumps on the mammogram. Sound waves create an image of all areas inside the breast, including the closest to the chest wall, which is difficult to see using a mammogram.

The procedure is performed by a trained technologist, usually in a darkened room. Before starting the breast sonogram, the technologist applies a special favorable gel to the breast. This gel helps to transmit sound waves. The Sonogram machine captures the sound waves and converts them into the image on the computer screen. The technologist analyzes data and reports it to the attending physician who determines whether the results are normal or unusual.

The procedure is usually not painful, although the gel can be unpleasantly cold. In some cases, the technologist warms the gel before applying it to the breast. The entire breast sonogram usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, although patients may be askedto wait for the technologist to evaluate the date in case more images are needed.

In addition to confirmation of the finding on the mammogram, the breast sonogram can be performed to diagnose the cause of painful or swollen breasts. If the problem is found, other sonograms can monitor abnormality and monitor signs of growth or other changes. For those with cancer, the breast sonogram can help monitor the disease and determine how far it has spread.

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breast tissue in younger women is usually denser than in older women and the breast sonogram can be more accurate than the mammogram when detecting the lump deeper in such dense tissue. Some research suggests that women with dense breast tissue can be at higher risk of Cancer. Scientists are still trying to find out if it is because of the density of tissue itself or because abnormalities are more difficult to see on the mammogram.

breast sonograms can also be used to help surgeons during breast biopsy or viFilling the cyst filled with liquid. During these procedures, surgeons use a needle, a vacuum assisted device or a thin wire to locate and use samples of abnormal breast tissue or liquid inside the cyst. Samples are sent to laboratories for further diagnostic testing. Biopsy may exclude cancer or other problems with breast tissue.