Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasounds allow doctors to differentiate between cysts and solid lumps. It may also help to determine whether a breast lump requires biopsy.

How should I prepare for a breast ultrasound?

There is no preparation for a breast ultrasound, however you should bring all previous breast imaging reports to your appointment.

On the day of your appointment

Epworth Medical Imaging's friendly staff will greet you on arrival and take your referral form. One of our sonographers will collect you from reception and ask you to change into a front-opening gown.

You will be asked to lie on a bed as each breast is scanned separately. The sonographer will use a transducer (hand-held device which produces and receives sound waves) to produce the images.

Once the examination is complete, the clear ultrasound gel will be wiped from your skin (any residue will dry to a powder). The ultrasound gel will not stain or discolour clothing.

How long does a breast ultrasound take?

Breast ultrasounds are usually completed within 30 minutes, but may take up to an hour.

Results

After your examination, please report to reception where you may be presented with hard copy films or a CD containing your images.  The radiologist report will be sent to your referring doctor with imaging available electronically.