Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive medical procedure, which is used as a diagnostic test to detect the presence of any abnormal growth of tissues, tumors and masses, as well as to identify if there is any blockage or obstruction in the blood flow in the breast area.

Aside from its main function, it can also be used to assist doctors in performing other medical interventions, such as breast biopsy. Moreover, this procedure in opted if the woman, who has breast cancer, is contraindicated to undergo other diagnostic procedures that involves the use of radiations.

The function of breast ultrasound is primarily with the use of sound waves that creates echoes in the surrounding areas of the internal portion of the breast. The mechanism of action of these sound waves can be compared to that of a sonogram being used by ships or echoes that are being utilized by bats (flying mammals) when they move in the dark.

Although ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves, it was designed that the sound energy that enters the body is not harmful enough to create any destruction to the inner parts of the human body. It was deliberated carefully and thoroughly, in such a way that the body cells and tissues can tolerate the sound waves being introduced inside the body to detect any abnormal growth or obstruction.

The physical set up of the machine is consists of the major parts that includes the body, which houses the electrical parts; a wide screen or monitor, which displays the images being captured and recorded; and a transducer, which is a hand-held device that is navigated above the area and produce the sound waves.

Prior to the procedure, the mother is asked to change her clothes to what the hospital requires. No special diet, fasting, or any other preparation is needed before the actual procedure starts. And since this is a non-invasive procedure, most institution does not require any informed consent to be signed, and it can be done on an outpatient basis.

Immediately before the intervention starts, the physician will usually administer a water-soluble gel on the skin surface of the breast. This gel is non-allergic because it is water-based. Then, the physician will ask the patient to take deep breaths as the transducer is being glided on the skin. The entire procedure will take about a few minutes, and then the gel on the patient's skin is wiped off.

The results of the diagnostic test are available at once after the procedure. Often times, the physician who performed the procedure will be the one to explain the results to the patient, but in some cases the result is being relayed to the attending physician of the patient and he will have the authority to explain the results in detail, and recommend if the patient will require more diagnostic testing, such as breast biopsy, to rule out completely the final diagnosis.

Breast ultrasound is cheaper compared to other diagnostic test, since no special preparation is needed, no other equipments are required, and it takes little risk to perform.