Breast ultrasound

An ultrasound exam uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft-tissue organs in the body without the use of radiation. Sound waves are produced by a transducer that is gently moved across the skin. When these sound waves reach various tissue depths in the body, echoes are produced, and they are sent back to the transducer, which electronically converts them into an image displayed on a video screen.

Is an ultrasound safe?

No harmful effects from diagnostic ultrasound have been identified.

What does the exam involve?

An ultrasound is a procedure during which you lie on an examination table. Using a water-soluble gel, the technologist begins scanning by moving a transducer gently across the skin. The images will be reviewed by the radiologist.

Once the radiologist reviews and interprets your images, the results will be sent to your health care provider.