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Breast ultrasound is a radiological examination of the breast that uses sound wave technology. This type of examination serves to detect disorders and various forms of abnormalities in the breast, such as cysts and tumors.

Breast Ultrasound or Mammary Ultrasound is a type of ultrasound that is specifically performed to check the condition of the breasts. The breast ultrasound device consists of a scanning machine, monitor screen, and a sensor called a transducer and Doppler probe.

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Breast ultrasound works using high-frequency or ultrasonic sound waves. This wave will appear from the scanning machine that produces an image of the breast inside and will be displayed on the monitor screen.

Purpose of Breast Ultrasound Performed

Breast ultrasound can be done when the doctor finds a lump in the breast, both from physical examination and mammography. The main function of this ultrasound is to detect the size and location of the lump.

Breast ultrasound examination can also help doctors determine the type of lump in the breast, for example whether the lump is caused by a cyst or tumor. Breast ultrasound is also often used by doctors as a guiding tool when conducting breast biopsies.

Usually, the doctor will advise you to undergo a breast ultrasound examination if you have the following complaints or conditions:

  • Unusual discharge from the nipple
  • Pain, redness and swelling in the breast, for example due to mastitis or inflammation of the breast tissue
  • Have had breast implant surgery
  • Changes in breast skin color
  • Problems with ASI production

Prepare before breast ultrasound

You generally don't need to fast before the test. Some of the preparations you need to do before undergoing a breast ultrasound procedure are:

  • Avoid using skincare or cosmetics, such as powder or lotion, on the breast area because it can affect the test results
  • Removing accessories or jewelry worn around the breast because it can cause inaccurate ultrasound results
  • Wear pants and shirts or clothes that have front buttons to facilitate the breast ultrasound examination process

When you are about to undergo breast ultrasound at the hospital, you may be asked to change clothes with special clothing provided by the hospital.

Breast Ultrasound Examination Process

Breast ultrasound is usually done by a radiologist in the radiology unit's examination room. Overall, this examination can take about 15-30 minutes.

After doing all the preparations, you will be put on the examination bed. To make the examination easier, the radiologist or sonographer may ask you to lie on your side and raise your arms above your head.

After that, the doctor will apply the gel to the area of ​​the breast under examination. This gel serves to help expedite the emission of sound waves to move through the breast tissue.

After applying gel on the breast, the doctor will move the transducer on the surface of the breast skin to evaluate the condition of the breast tissue. Next, the transducer will work and display the inspection results on the monitor screen.

This examination does not cause pain at all. However, you may feel pain when the transducer is pressed against the problematic part of the breast.

After the breast ultrasound examination is complete, the doctor or nurse will clean the remaining gel on the breast. You are usually allowed to go home and resume normal activities after the breast ultrasound has been completed.

Reading Breast Ultrasound Results

Usually, you will get an immediate ultrasound result. If further analysis is needed, the results of the examination will be given to the referring doctor in a matter of days. Next, the doctor will read the results during a predetermined control schedule.

Images generated from ultrasound of the breast are black and white. Through breast ultrasound, doctors can detect the following conditions:

  • Benign breast tumors, such as fibroadenoma
  • Fibrocystic breast, which is a lump in the breast that grows due to hormonal changes
  • Breast cyst
  • Intraductal papilloma, a small benign tumor in the milk ducts
  • Infection or inflammation of the breast tissue
  • Breast cancer

After a breast ultrasound examination is done, your doctor may recommend you to undergo other investigations, such as MRI, CT scan, tumor marker test, and biopsy, especially if the doctor suspects the presence of certain diseases, such as breast cancer.

Risks and Side Effects of Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a safe type of examination, even safer than mammography, X-rays, or CT scans because it does not use radiation exposure. Long-term radiation exposure or large doses are known to increase the risk of cancer.

Breast ultrasound is a procedure that also does not cause side effects. Possible side effects are an allergic reaction to the gel that is used, but these reactions are very rare.

When you are asked to undergo a breast ultrasound examination, the doctor will explain the benefits and purpose of the examination as well as some risks that may occur.

However, if you are still hesitant to undergo a breast ultrasound examination, do not hesitate to consult a doctor to get more information.

Label : Health cat_Health

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