Breast cancer

Breast Ultrasound

Cyst as it appears on ultrasound

Enlarge

Cancer as it appears on ultrasound

Enlarge

At Mayo Clinic, specially trained physicians and radiology technologists use sophisticated ultrasound equipment to determine whether a lump found during a breast exam or mammogram is a cyst (fluid-filled sac) or a solid tumor.

Ultrasound involves the use of sound waves to create a picture of breast tissue and project it onto a computer screen. During this painless procedure, a transducer (small pad) sends and receives sound waves as it is moved across the breast. A computer then analyzes the sound waves and creates an image of the breast tissue.