Breast ultrasound
Breast ultrasound evaluates breast tissue and is often performed alongside mammography. The two imaging methods complement each other.
Ultrasound is better at detecting cysts, which are often found during self-exams, as they are easily felt. Feeling a lump can cause worry, so Mayo Clinic Healthcare uses ultrasound to confirm what the lump might be.
Mayo Clinic Healthcare uses breast ultrasound to:
- Evaluate a lump you can feel.
- Assess dense breast tissue.
- Examine a lump or cyst found in a previous scan.
- Screen for breast cancer if you are too young for a mammogram (age 40 in the UK).
How should I prepare for a breast ultrasound?
No special preparation is needed for a breast ultrasound. On the day of your procedure, wear clothing that can be easily removed, as you need to undress from the waist up.
You will be asked to avoid wearing any powder, lotion or perfume on your breasts or underarms on the day of your appointment. You can use roll-on deodorants but need to avoid spray deodorants.
What happens during a breast ultrasound?
Your Mayo Clinic Healthcare radiologist will talk to you about any problems or issues that you are experiencing with your breasts. The radiologist might also examine you to check where any lumps might be.
During the procedure, you will lie down and the radiologist will apply a small amount of gel to your breast area to help get better images.
The radiologist gently presses a wand, called a transducer, over your skin and moves it around. The transducer sends signals to a computer that develops them into images that can be seen on a screen.
How long does it take to get the results from breast ultrasound?
The radiologist will do the scan and write a report. The radiologist also diagnoses any issues and shares those findings with your private consultant. At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you should generally receive your results within 48 hours.
Book an appointment
If you need an accurate ultrasound of your breast with quick results, request an appointment at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London online or call us at +44 (0) 207 871 2575.