Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a widely available screening procedure that is both comfortable and cost-effective. Breast ultrasound is particularly useful for viewing some breast changes, such as those that can be felt but not seen on a mammogram or changes in dense breast tissue. Because it can show all areas of the breast, ultrasound is ideal for further valuation of a problem initially detected on a mammogram. This is especially helpful in the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see with mammography alone. Ultrasound also can be used to tell the difference between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. (If a lump is really a cyst, it’s not cancer.)

Ultrasound Biopsies

Ultrasound is a helpful tool for minimally invasive procedures, such as needle biopsies. The technology is utilized to help guide a biopsy needle into breast tissue where cells are then removed from a suspicious area and tested for cancer. It also can be used to guide a biopsy needle into swollen lymph nodes under the arm.

The Margaret W. Niedland Breast Center also offers state-of-the-art ultrasound with breast elastography to detect and measure hard, cancerous breast tissue with certainty.