Ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound – Patient Information

What is a breast ultrasound?
Breast ultrasound is an important, safe, and non-invasive method for examining the breast tissue. It is used both for diagnostic purposes and for follow-up in various conditions.
High-frequency sound waves are used to create an image of the breast tissue. The method does not use radiation and is completely safe, including during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

When is Breast Ultrasound Recommended?

Ultrasound has many proven medical applications, particularly in the following cases:

Preventive indications:

• As a first-line imaging method for women under 40 years of age, as well as for pregnant or breastfeeding women

• When abnormalities are suspected based on mammography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results

• After breast augmentation /presence of implants/

• For screening in women at high risk of breast cancer (especially when MRI is not performed)
  

• In women with dense breasts (ACR C and D), ultrasound is used as a supplementary examination after mammography
  
  

Diagnostic indications:

• A palpable lump or thickening in the breast

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla)

• Pathological nipple discharge

• Skin changes such as dimpling or redness

• Breast inflammation (mastitis)

• Changes in the scar area after surgery

• Guidance during biopsies, marking areas before surgery, or fluid drainage

• Monitoring response to chemotherapy before surgery (if MRI is not used)

Ultrasound should not be used as a standalone screening method for breast cancer in women without symptoms, as it cannot fully replace mammography. The two methods complement each other.

The results of the ultrasound are described in detail in a medical report. For greater clarity and consistency, the BI-RADS international classification system is often used, helping physicians recommend the most appropriate follow-up action.

Modern ultrasound technology may include the following additional features:

• Color Doppler – shows the blood flow within a specific area

• Elastography – evaluates tissue elasticity and is used to assess the stiffness of a tumor formation

• Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) – allows examination of the entire breast in a more objective and standardized way

Is the examination painful?
No – breast ultrasound is a completely painless and non-invasive procedure.

Is breast ultrasound safe?
Yes, it is entirely safe. Ultrasound uses no ionizing radiation, meaning there is no exposure to radiation.

How long does the examination take?
Usually between 10 and 20 minutes.

Can ultrasound detect cancer?
Yes, in many cases – especially when there are symptoms or findings from other tests – but it is not a complete substitute for mammography.

Do I need to prepare in advance for the examination?
No special preparation is needed. It is recommended to bring any previous imaging results you may have for comparison.

Can ultrasound replace mammography in preventive breast cancer screening?
Ultrasound cannot replace mammography for screening in the general female population.

Is mammography needed after breast ultrasound?
It depends on the individual case. As mentioned, ultrasound alone is not sufficiently accurate for screening. It can complement mammography, especially in women with dense breasts.
When a lump is palpable, ultrasound is often the first choice, but not always the only required method.
It is best to consult your imaging specialist, who will determine whether additional tests such as mammography or other imaging methods are needed.

Does ultrasound have any limitations?
It is important to note that if ultrasound is used instead of mammography, some tumors may be missed—particularly in women whose breasts contain a higher proportion of fatty tissue.