Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound images are acquired by using high frequency sound waves. There is no radiation involved. These sound waves penetrate the body and reflect back to the transducer to produce an image on a monitor. A permanent record of the exam will be made. Videotaping or cell phone pictures are not allowed.

A breast ultrasound may be performed if a suspicious lump is discovered in your breast and best performed with combination of a mammogram.  It can determine whether the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor and the location and size of the lump.

Patients under the age of 30 due to their breast density may not benefit from a mammogram and only the ultrasound could be performed.  The radiologist will help determine the best route of imaging on the day of the procedure.

While a breast ultrasound can be used to assess a lump in your breast, it can’t be used to determine whether the lump is cancerous. That can only be established if a sample of tissue or fluid is removed from the lump and tested in a laboratory.

Preparation and procedure

No Prep is needed for this test

The technologist will apply a clear gel to your breast. This conductive gel helps the sound waves travel through your skin. The technologist will then move a wand-like device called a transducer over your breast. Once the images have been recorded, the technologist will clean the gel off your breast and you can then get dressed.

On the day of your exam

Please arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to allow for parking and registration. Please plan to spend approximately one hour in our department. If you bring friends or family to the appointment they will be asked to wait in a waiting room during your scan. Children cannot be left unattended during your scan. Please arrange for a caregiver.

Results

Our radiologist will study your examination and a report will be forwarded to your practitioner, from whom you may obtain the results. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please contact our department at at 608-342-4740.

Date of appointment _______________________________________ Time_____________________

Your procedure will be performed at Southwest Health at 1400 Eastside Road – Platteville, WI 53818. Please use the Main Hospital Entrance and check in at the Registration Desk prior to your scheduled procedure.

If you cannot keep your appointment please contact the radiology department at 608-342-4740 so that me may accommodate another patient.

NOTE: It may take 2-3 days to obtain verification from your insurance company for exams that require prior authorization, such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Stress, Injections, etc.