Breast ultrasound can be performed in addition to clarify the nature of an abnormality when palpating the breasts or an image on the mammogram.

WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND?

This is a medical imaging method that uses ultrasound. These are emitted by a probe and pass through your breast. Depending on the density of the elements they encounter, the ultrasound produces an echo that is reflected back to the probe. The probe transmits these echoes to a computer that analyzes and interprets them in the form of images. In this way, the ultrasound makes it possible to visualize areas where the density is different from normal tissue (lumps, nodules, abnormalities highlighted during a mammogram or during palpation).

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE EXAM AT HOME?

No preparation is necessary before performing this exam. It is not necessary to be fasting. If you are still menstruating, it can be performed at any time during the cycle. You must bring your prescription, the results of all examinations concerning your breasts (mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds), including older ones.

IS THIS EXAMINATION PAINFUL?

This examination is completely painless. It is not harmful and can be repeated without danger. You can leave on your own and resume normal activity.

HOW IS THIS EXAMINATION PERFORMED?

It is carried out by a specialist doctor. The examination begins with a palpation of your breasts, then continues with the ultrasound itself. The doctor applies a gel to the surface of your breasts and to the probe to facilitate the passage of the ultrasounds. He then moves the probe to examine each breast, then the area under each armpit.

The doctor moves a probe over the surface of your breasts

DOES THE EXAMINATION PRESENT ANY RISKS?

Breast ultrasound is a completely painless examination. The ultrasounds used are safe. There are no contraindications or side effects.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

From 5 to 20 minutes approximately.

WHERE SHOULD I HAVE THIS EXAM?

At your choice, or on the advice of your doctor, it takes place either in a radiology office, or in a radiology or senology department at the hospital or in a clinic. This is not necessarily the office where your mammogram was done.

AND THE RESULTS?

The images are directly visible on the screen. The radiologist can, in general, give you the results of the exam immediately. In some cases, he may request additional examinations (samples, MRI, etc.) to establish his diagnosis with certainty.
Ultrasound is a dynamic examination (movements of the probe) that can only be truly interpreted by the doctor who performs it. It is not uncommon for some ultrasound images not to correspond, in fact, to real lesions. It must be analyzed in the light of all the data from the other examinations. Keep your results well filed, categorized and do not forget to bring them to a future consultation.