Breast Ultrasound

What Is a Breast Ultrasound?

A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the structures within the breast. It is used to help check for breast abnormalities, especially in telling the difference between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.

UR Medicine offers two types of breast ultrasounds:

Handheld Breast Ultrasound A technician uses a small handheld device, called a transducer, to move gently over your breast and capture internal images.
SoftVue™ A gentle breast screening tool that uses warm water and a small imaging ring to capture four types of images in about three minutes per breast.

Breast Ultrasounds vs. Mammograms

A mammogram uses X-rays to take a clear picture of the breast, while a breast ultrasound uses sound waves. This is especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue. Usually, providers recommend a mammogram as the main screening tool, and an ultrasound is used as an extra test in certain cases. A Breast MRI may also be recommended to evaluate abnormalities that aren’t clearly visible on mammograms or ultrasounds.

Handheld Breast Ultrasounds

Use sound waves to create images
Often performed on a small area due to symptoms or to evaluate findings on a mammogram (“targeted ultrasound”)
Examine dense breast tissue (“screening ultrasound”) for cancer that may be missed by mammograms

Mammograms

Use X-rays to create images
Standard screening test for breast cancer
Detect calcification and tumors

Yes, breast ultrasounds can be more effective than mammograms for women with dense breast tissue. Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue, which can make it difficult for mammograms to detect abnormalities. Ultrasounds provide a clearer image of dense tissue, helping to identify potential issues that mammograms might miss.

Yes, breast ultrasounds can help detect cancer, especially in dense breast tissue where mammograms might be less effective. Ultrasounds are not typically used as a primary screening tool for breast cancer, but they are valuable for further evaluating mammogram findings and for guiding biopsies. However, they may not detect all types of breast cancer, so they are often used alongside mammography or breast MRIs.

Breast ultrasound is often used to:

Investigate a detectable lump in the breast
Screen for breast cancer in dense breast tissue
Evaluate abnormalities found on a mammogram
Guide needle biopsies
Monitor changes in breast tissue over time
Assess breast implants

UR Medicine's Approach

Early detection is key in diagnosing and treating breast cancer, and breast ultrasounds play an important role in early detection. UR Medicine’s Comprehensive Breast Center is home to some of the nation’s top breast experts. Our providers specialize in detecting, treating, and supporting patients with breast cancer. We will walk you through every step from diagnosis to treatment.

A breast ultrasound typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. During the procedure, you will lie on your back or side on an examination table. You may be asked to change positions to get different views. A technician will apply a water-based gel to your skin and move the transducer over the breast to capture images.

Preparation for a breast ultrasound is minimal. Here are some general guidelines:

Wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or adjusted.
Avoid applying lotions, powders, or deodorants on the day of the exam, as these can interfere with the ultrasound images.
Inform your healthcare provider of any recent breast surgeries or procedures.

A radiologist will analyze the ultrasound images and provide a report to your healthcare provider. Your provider will discuss the results with you and explain any further steps if necessary.

Possible findings include:

Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that are usually benign.
Solid Masses: These may require further evaluation to determine if they are benign or malignant.
Other Abnormalities: Any unusual findings will be assessed for further diagnostic testing.

What Sets Us Apart?

The UR Medicine Breast Imaging Center is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology's (ACR) Commission on Quality and Safety and the Commission on Breast Imaging for a three-year term. The ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation signifies that UR Medicine Breast Imaging provides these services to the Rochester and surrounding communities at the highest standards of the radiology profession.

Our expertise is backed by research. As part of an academic medical center, our providers are continuously working to advance the detection and assessment of breast disease. We invest in cutting-edge technology.

We collaborate with breast specialists at UR Medicine's Wilmot Cancer Institute to ensure that all necessary treatments and support is available.