Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound is the use of high-frequency sound waves to image organs and other structures inside the body. A hand held device, called a transducer, is placed onto the skin surface near the area of interest, and sends out sound waves and “listens” as the sound waves bounce off objects and return to the transducer. Sound waves are then converted into an image that is seen on the ultrasound machine. This image can be frozen and stored for diagnostic use.

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At Sparrow Hospital, all transducers are high-resolution to ensure the most detailed and diagnostic image. One of the greatest benefits of Ultrasound imaging is that there are no known health risks.

A breast ultrasound is generally used with a mammography screening to further evaluate an area that is suspicious on a mammogram. A breast ultrasound can be ordered on a young patient who has a palpable area to target with the scan. Breast ultrasound is not routinely used as a screening test. The “gold standard” for breast cancer screening is the mammogram.

A breast ultrasound may be used:

• To assess a suspicious area found on a mammogram.
• To assess palpable areas felt in the breast.
• To guide physicians in obtaining cell samples of the breast through a biopsy procedure.

To prepare for the Breast Ultrasound you may be asked to remove your blouse and change into a gown. Glasses, hearing aids, and dentures can be worn during the exam.

During the ultrasound exam, a gel is placed on the skin near the area of interest. The transducer is then placed directly onto the gel and moved around to obtain the necessary images. The gel acts as a conductor allowing the sound waves to penetrate into the body. The gel is water soluble and non-irritating to the skin. This procedure can provide valuable information to both you and your health care provider regarding the health of your breast. When the technologist has completed all the necessary scans and images, the exam is complete.

Once the exam is complete, you will be free to leave. You can return to your regular schedule with no interruptions. A report will be generated in 48 hours and sent to your physician. If you need to take copies of the ultrasound exam to your doctor, films can be obtained at our centralized Film Library. If you have any questions, please contact our Ultrasound Department in the Sparrow Professional Building at 517.364.5645.

The Sparrow Radiology Ultrasound Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology and all sonographers are registered as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. For more information about the field of Ultrasound, go to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers at www.ardms.org.