THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
BREAST ULTRASOUND

WHAT IS IT?
Ultrasound procedures involve the use of very high frequency sound waves that cannot be heard by the human ear. The sound waves are sent into the body using a hand held instrument called a transducer. The various structures in the body including organs, tissue and fluids (such as blood and water) reflect sound waves differently because of their different density. Some of the sound waves reflect back to the transducer much like your voice echoes back to you in an empty building. The reflected sound waves are received by the transducer and sent to a computer to be processed into pictures.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
The sonographer (the person who operates the ultrasound machine) will assist you as you lie on your back on a padded table. A warm gel will be spread on your breast. The gel improves the ability to send and receive the sound waves between the transducer and your body. The sonographer moves the transducer over your breast while frequently changing the position and angle of the transducer. This action guides the sound waves to specific parts of the breast so that pictures can be taken. The sonographer may ask you to change positions during the exam.

Sometimes the physician who will interpret the ultrasound procedure will also operate the transducer.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
This ultrasound procedure usually takes 30 minutes to complete.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
Usually the ultrasound room lights are turned down to darken the room. This helps the sonographer to see the video screen better. Ultrasound procedures are not painful. You will feel some pressure as the sonographer presses the transducer against your breast.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
Ultrasound can determine the difference between lumps that are made up of solid tissue and those made up of fluid (cysts). The presence of lumps, their shape and location in the breast tissue can be seen on the ultrasound pictures.

HOW DO I GET READY?
There is no preparation required for the breast ultrasound exam.

Reviewed: September 2005