Tests and scans
A breast ultrasound scan is a test that uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of the breast.
The ultrasound scanner has a probe that gives off sound waves. The probe looks a bit like a microphone. The sound waves bounce off the tissues in your breast, and the probe picks them up. The probe links to a computer that turns the sound waves into a picture on the screen.
A specialist healthcare professional called a sonographer usually does the test.
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You might have a breast ultrasound:
as a first test if you have a lump in the breast
if you have a lump in your breast that hasn't shown up on a mammogram
to see if a breast lump is solid or if contains fluid (a cyst)
You might have this test alongside other tests, such as a breast examination and mammogram in a one stop breast clinic.
You may also have an ultrasound scan when you are having a of the breast. This helps the doctor find the right place to take the biopsy.
There isn’t usually any special preparation for a breast ultrasound.
Take any medicines as normal.
You will need to take off your upper clothing, including your bra, and put on a hospital gown. You lie on a couch for the test.
A or a specialist called sonographer puts a lubricating gel over your breast, this can sometimes feel cold. The gel helps the probe to slide over your skin to give clear pictures on the screen. You might feel a little pressure when the sonographer moves the probe over your breast. Do tell them if it is uncomfortable. The sonographer may also look at the in your armpit (axilla).
It can take about 10 to 15 minutes. The sonographer might ask you to move position a few times, bringing your arm up and down.
You can usually have a family member or a friend with you while you have the scan. Just let the sonographer know that someone will be with you.
You can get dressed straight after the ultrasound. A specialist looks at the ultrasound pictures.
You might not need any further tests if everything looks normal. If the test shows a fluid-filled lump, a doctor or nurse might drain the fluid with a needle.
If the scan shows a solid lump, you might need to have more tests. These might include a mammogram or taking a sample of cells from the abnormal area. This is a biopsy.
In a one-stop breast clinic, you may have all these tests during the same visit.
You might get some of the results on the same day.
If you had a breast biopsy you need to wait for a week or so. Waiting for test results can be a very worrying time. You have contact details for a specialist nurse and you can contact them for information if you need to. It can help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.
Contact the staff at the clinic if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.
Breast ultrasound is a very safe test. It doesn’t involve radiation and there are usually no side effects.
Last reviewed: 02 May 2023
Next review due: 02 May 2026
You have a number of tests to check for breast cancer. This includes a breast examination, a mammogram, a biopsy and scans.
Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in the breast. Find out more about this and other possible symptoms and when you should see your GP.
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue. Find out about who gets breast cancer and where it starts.
A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts. This test is used to help diagnose breast cancer and other breast conditions.
A biopsy means having a sample of breast tissue taken to look at under the microscope. There are different types of breast biopsy. The most common type is a needle biopsy.
Find out about breast cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, survival, and how to cope with the effects on your life and relationships.
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