- You will be asked to change into a gown, removing your clothing from the waist up.
- You will need to expose your breast for the exam so the sonographer can scan it in its entirety, along with surrounding tissue and the axilla (armpit).
- A warm, hypoallergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to the area being scanned. The sonographer will glide a probe over your breast and the surrounding area to provide the radiologist with a complete set of images.
- Insight Medical Imaging only uses female sonographers for breast and axilla ultrasounds, so our patients are more comfortable when their breast is exposed.
- The sonographer will apply moderate pressure with the probe, which may be momentarily uncomfortable, but it should not cause any pain.
- After the sonographer has captured the images, you are free to leave.
- The results will be analyzed by one of our radiologists and a detailed report will be sent to your doctor. We try our best to send the results as soon as possible, usually within one business day.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to image internal tissues and structures of the breast.If you have any further questions about ABUS or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team
Breast Ultrasound - Safe and Effective Imaging without Radiation
Breast ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive imaging procedure that is highly accessible for patients with specific characteristics. It is particularly useful for individuals with dense breast tissue, those under the age of 35, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This exam is often requested in addition to mammography, providing our radiologists with comprehensive information to form accurate conclusions. Breast ultrasound may be performed to evaluate nearby lymph nodes, assess fluid-filled lumps (cysts), or characterize lesions seen on the mammogram. Rest assured that this procedure uses zero radiation and is an essential part of the diagnostic process to ensure thorough evaluation of breast health. If you have any concerns or questions, our team is here to provide you with the necessary support and information.
Unlocking the Potential of Breast Ultrasound, Applications and Benefits
Diagnosing Breast Abnormalities
When it comes to investigating breast lumps detected through self-examination, physical examination, screening mammogram, or even breast MRI, breast ultrasound is a trusted diagnostic tool. Our skilled radiologists use ultrasound to identify and assess the characteristics of lesions, helping determine whether they are solid, fluid-filled, malignant, or benign. Additionally, breast ultrasound can provide valuable insights into other abnormalities, such as unusual nipple discharge, inflammation, breast pain, or discoloration.
Supplementary Screening
While mammography is highly effective in detecting early signs of breast abnormalities, it may have limitations, especially when it comes to dense breasts with a significant amount of glandular and connective tissue. In such cases, breast ultrasound or MRI can serve as supplementary screening tools, providing a clearer view of potential concerns that may be hidden on mammography. Our radiologists work closely with your doctor to decide the best approach based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Ultrasound-guided Breast Biopsy
For precise and accurate targeting during biopsy procedures, ultrasound guidance is commonly used. By utilizing real-time imaging, our radiologists can identify the precise location for the biopsy and effectively plan and execute the procedure, ensuring optimal outcomes.
ABUS Breast Imaging
To enhance the detection of breast cancer in dense breast tissue, your doctor may recommend ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound System). ABUS provides a comprehensive view of the breast and is specifically designed to identify tumors that may be challenging to detect with mammography alone. In average-risk women with dense breasts, adding ABUS to routine screening mammography significantly increases the detection rate of breast cancer, especially small, invasive, and node-negative cancers.
At Raydius Medical, we utilize the latest technologies and approaches to provide you with the most comprehensive and advanced care for your breast health. Our experienced team of radiologists is committed to utilizing breast ultrasound and other imaging modalities to ensure accurate diagnosis, early detection, and personalized treatment planning.
For more information about ABUS, click here
Comprehensive Diagnostic Breast and Axilla Ultrasound Exam
Our diagnostic breast and axilla ultrasounds are designed to provide detailed imaging of the breast and armpit (axilla), allowing us to identify and evaluate abnormalities in these areas. This non-invasive procedure allows our radiologists to examine the concentration of lymph nodes in your armpit, detecting any irregularities and aiding in the identification of abnormal axillary sentinel lymph nodes.
Assessing the lymph node status is crucial for determining appropriate medical or surgical therapies. Considering that the axilla contains the largest concentration of lymph nodes in the body, potential symptoms are more likely to manifest in this area first. Our comprehensive diagnostic breast and axilla ultrasound exam plays a vital role in early detection and evaluation of breast and axillary conditions.
Clearing Your Doubts, Breast Ultrasound FAQs
At Raydius Medical, we understand that you may have specific concerns or questions regarding your breast ultrasound experience. To address these, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that we hope will provide you with valuable information and help alleviate any apprehensions, ensuring your confidence and comfort throughout the process.
Please note that while our FAQs are designed to be informative, they do not substitute for a detailed discussion with your own clinician prior to your appointment. However, rest assured that our dedicated team will be available to address any additional questions or concerns you may have about the procedure when you arrive for your scheduled appointment.
This procedure does not use radiation; therefore, it poses no direct threat to pregnant women. While different health conditions may predispose you to certain risks, the primary risk in breast ultrasound is that imaging may not show extremely tiny lesions and will not identify tiny calcifications often associated with node negative precancers.
Obese patients, or those with abnormally large breasts are at higher risk for misdiagnosis, as there is a negative correlation between body mass or size of breasts and ultrasound accuracy. Therefore, it is highly likely for your doctor to refer you for screening mammography before an ultrasound, for better lesion localization accuracy.
Diagnostic breast and axilla ultrasound exams typically take 30 minutes per side. Sometimes our team will scan both sides. In this case, the exam may take longer than 30 minutes.
How to Prepare for your Exam
Access preparation instructions for your upcoming examination. Proper exam preparation helps us take the best possible images for diagnosis.
Book an Exam
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How to Prepare for your Exam
Access preparation instructions for your upcoming examination. Proper exam preparation helps us take the best possible images for diagnosis.