Breast Ultrasound

In the breast, ultrasound is used to determine if a palpable lump or an abnormality detected by mammography is a fluid-filled cyst or solid tumor, either benign or malignant. Breast ultrasound also may be used to identify masses in women whose breast tissue is too dense to be easily evaluated by mammography. In young women (generally age 30 or younger) breast ultrasound is usually the first imaging tool of choice because of the density of young breast tissue limiting mammography and because it involves no radiation exposure.

Breast ultrasound may also be used to guide interventional procedures such as breast biopsy and cyst aspiration. Although ultrasound is a very useful tool for targeted evaluation of palpable and mammographic abnormalities, and for screening in selected cases, it has limitations. Not all lumps or solid tumors are visible on ultrasound. If any doubt remains as to whether there is an abnormality in the breast, the radiologist or your physician may recommend a breast MRI for further evaluation.

Ultrasound is also used at our Nutley and West Caslwell locations to guide breast biopsy.