DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING - ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound may be used in addition to mammograms. This imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves instead of radiation to create images. Thus, posses no known threat or risk to having a breast ultrasound. Breast ultrasound is a good tool to use in addition to mammograms as it is often used to further evaluate any abnormalities found on a mammogram. Breast ultrasound is especially useful in determining whether a lump is fluid-filled or if the lump is solid. A lump filled with fluid indicates a cyst whereas a solid lump indicates a tumor.

A breast ultrasound may be done in addition to mammograms for several reasons. These include:

• Imaging fibrocystic or dense breasts often found in younger women
• Seeing tissue that a mammogram may miss because of silicone breast implants or dense breasts
• Investigating the cause of pain, redness, or swelling
• Checking a breast lump found on a self or clinical examination or a lump seen on a mammogram
• Monitoring a cyst for any changes or guiding a needle to drain a cyst

If you are scheduled for a breast ultrasound and have any questions or concerns, please call 252-384-5144 to speak to one of our highly skilled sonographers.