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Breast ultrasound
Category: Imaging & Scans · All imaging & scans
What it is
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to picture breast tissue. It is particularly good at telling whether a lump is fluid-filled (a cyst) or solid, and is often the first imaging test for breast symptoms in younger women.
Why it is done
It is used to investigate a breast lump, pain or nipple discharge, to look more closely at something seen on a mammogram, and to guide a needle biopsy of a breast lump.
How to prepare
There is no special preparation. You will undress from the waist up and lie on a couch.
What happens during the procedure
Gel is spread on the breast and the probe is moved over the skin while the operator studies the pictures. It is painless and usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. If a biopsy is needed it can sometimes be done at the same visit with local anaesthetic.
Afterwards — recovery & results
You can return to normal activities straight away. Results may be given at a one-stop clinic visit, or the report is sent to your doctor.
Risks & considerations
There are no known risks from the ultrasound itself. If a biopsy is taken there can be bruising and a small risk of infection or bleeding, which the team will explain.
Watch: Breast ultrasound videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Why ultrasound instead of a mammogram?
In younger women breast tissue is often denser, which makes mammograms harder to read and ultrasound clearer. The two tests are often used together in older women.
Can ultrasound tell if a lump is cancer?
It can show features that make a lump look reassuring or suspicious, but a definite answer usually needs a needle sample of tissue.
Related procedures — Imaging & Scans
Browse the B section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.