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| Understanding the Role of Ultrasound | ||
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Ultrasonography, commonly referred to as ultrasound, is a harmless test that
uses high-frequency sound waves sent from a transducer, a microphone-like
instrument. As the transducer moves over the breast tissue, the sound waves are
bounced back to a sensor within the instrument and a picture on a monitor shows
the internal structures of the breasts. These pictures, unlike a mammogram, use
no radiation and allow the physician to observe the breast structures in
motion. This test does not require any surgery or needles. You do not need to
do any advance preparation and the test is painless.
Ultrasounds are usually used when an abnormality has been found in a breast
during a mammography exam. The test determines if the suspicious area is solid
tissue, or a cyst filled with fluid. Ultrasound accurately locates and
correctly distinguishes the makeup of a lump more than 95 percent of the time.
Breast cysts are easily identified by ultrasound. This often prevents
unnecessary surgery for abnormal cystic lumps that cannot be felt. It is also a
very useful diagnostic tool for lumps found in pregnant women for whom
mammography is not advised, and for women with very dense breasts.
Guidance using ultrasound visualization of the lump can aid the physician to
locate accurately |
the area for withdrawal of fluid from a cyst or to perform a needle biopsy of
the lump. Being able to see the lump and the placement of the needle inside of
it while withdrawing fluid or performing a biopsy increases the accuracy of the
procedure. Ultrasound visualization also allows the physician to monitor the
area immediately following the procedure to observe any changes.
There is no preparation for ultrasound and there is no discomfort associated
with the test unless you cannot lie flat without discomfort. You will need to
lie on a table undressed from the waist up for the test. The sonographer will
apply a gel or oil substance to the breast to improve the transmission of the
sound waves. The transducer will be moved over the breast while photographic
images are displayed on a video monitor. A radiologist who specializes in
reading ultrasound images (sonograms) will interpret the films. The results of
your ultrasound will be sent to the referring physician.
Ultrasound is not recommended by the American College of Radiology as the best
method of detecting cancer by screening, but rather as an add-on procedure
after mammography has located an area that needs further evaluation. It is best
used to clarify results of a mammogram or when mammography is not suitable
because of pregnancy or other reasons. |
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