Breast ultrasound is a targeted diagnostic examination used to assess breast symptoms and findings from examination, mammography or MRI.
Why may breast ultrasound be requested?
Breast ultrasound may be used to assess a lump, focal pain, nipple symptoms, an area found on mammography or MRI, breast implants, postoperative changes or lymph nodes in the axilla. It can help determine whether a finding is fluid-filled, solid or related to normal tissue.
What happens during the scan?
No special preparation is usually required. You will undress from the waist up and wear a gown. Gel is applied to the breast or axilla and the sonographer scans the area in several directions. Doppler may be used to assess blood flow. The examination may include both breasts or a targeted area depending on the referral.
Ultrasound and breast cancer assessment
Ultrasound is important in breast oncology, but it is usually one part of a multi-modality pathway. Mammography assesses calcification and tissue patterns across both breasts. MRI provides highly sensitive contrast-enhanced imaging in selected high-risk, staging or problem-solving settings. Ultrasound provides targeted real-time assessment and is particularly useful for guiding biopsy.
A normal ultrasound does not automatically override a suspicious clinical finding or mammogram. Likewise, not every solid lump is cancer. The next step depends on the combined clinical and imaging assessment.
Will I need a biopsy?
If a finding has features that cannot be confidently classified as benign, image-guided needle biopsy may be recommended. Ultrasound can guide the needle in real time so the appropriate area is sampled. The tissue is then assessed by pathology.
Results and follow-up
The radiology report may recommend routine care, short-interval imaging, mammography, MRI, biopsy or specialist review. Follow-up recommendations are based on the complete imaging appearance and your clinical circumstances.
Related Patient Guides
- PG3001 Ultrasound Scan: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Appointment
- PG3002 Preparing for an Ultrasound: Fasting, a Full Bladder and Other Instructions
- PG3003 Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Dynamic Tendon, Ligament, Nerve and Joint Assessment
- PG3004 Vascular and Doppler Ultrasound: Arteries, Veins and Blood Flow
- PG3005 Pelvic and Transvaginal Ultrasound: What to Expect
- PG3007 Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound: Nodules, Lymph Nodes and Biopsy
- PG3008 Paediatric Ultrasound: A Guide for Parents and Carers
- PG3009 Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Elastography: Advanced Ultrasound Explained
- PG3010 What Ultrasound Can and Cannot Show: When MRI, CT or Other Tests May Be Needed
We have more detailed information on many interesting regenerative and radiological topics on our Insights page
Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
Does breast ultrasound replace a mammogram?
Usually no. The tests provide different information and often complement each other. Ultrasound is not a general replacement for age- and risk-appropriate mammographic screening.
Can ultrasound tell whether a lump is cancer?
Sometimes it can show strongly benign or suspicious features, but imaging cannot always provide certainty. Biopsy may be required.
Is breast ultrasound safe with implants?
Yes. Ultrasound does not use radiation and can assess tissue around implants, although MRI or Spectral CT may be required for a more complete assessment of implant integrity in selected cases.
| Important: Tell the sonographer about pain, pregnancy possibility, previous pelvic surgery and any concerns about an internal examination before it begins. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-3006 [Patient information: Breast ultrasound is a targeted diagnostic examination used to assess breast symptoms and findings from examination, mammography or MRI.]
