What is a breast ultrasound ?

It is an exam that uses ultrasound to produce images of breast parenchyma. An ultrasound provides images in real time. What is felt during the palpation is visible on ultrasound.

Breast ultrasound is a complementary tool for mammography that supplements the examination. It allows a more in-depth assessment of anomalies seen during mammography. For example, it provides more details about the size and nature of anomalies (e.g., cystic or solid lesion).

Breast ultrasound preparation

The exam may be taken at any time during your menstrual cycle. There is no need to fast. No preparation is necessary.

However, it is important to bring any relevant previous results and films :

• Ultrasound
• Mammography
• MRI
• Biopsy
• Etc.

Breast ultrasound procedure

This exam takes place in an ultrasound room. If you wish, you can be accompanied by a friend or family member during the exam. A clinic technician will assist the radiologist. You will lie down on the examining table. The radiologist will begin by asking you some questions regarding the presence of any abnormal masses, pain, inflammation, etc. Your previous films and results will then be carefully examined.

If necessary, the clinical exam (palpation) of your breasts and axilla will be performed in order to check for any abnormal mass or ganglion.

A conductive gel will then be applied on your breasts. This gel is water-based and hypoallergenic.

The radiologist will then examine all cadrans of your breasts with a probe. Notes will be taken and, where appropriate, you will be given an explanation of what is seen.

At the end of the examination, the radiologist will explain the exam results.

In some cases, it is impossible to provide a definitive diagnosis. The radiologist may therefore recommend other exams (mammography, magnetic resonance) in order to determine a diagnosis.

However, only your doctor can decide which approach to take in order to make this diagnosis.

Before you leave, the exam results will be provided in writing.