Breast Ultrasound
Physicians use ultrasound to evaluate breast abnormalities that have been found with screening or diagnostic mammography or during a clinical breast exam. Breast ultrasound is also known as
sonography or ultrasonography, is often used to evaluate breast abnormalities. Ultrasound uses sound waves and picks up the echoes to create images and allows imaging the breast from any orientation. Though breast ultrasound has excellent contrast resolution, it lacks the detail (spatial resolution) of mammography and is usually used to investigate an abnormality detected by mammography or found during a breast exam. It is not a substitute for mammography, except in special circumstances like pregnancy or the lactating breast.
sonography or ultrasonography, is often used to evaluate breast abnormalities. Ultrasound uses sound waves and picks up the echoes to create images and allows imaging the breast from any orientation. Though breast ultrasound has excellent contrast resolution, it lacks the detail (spatial resolution) of mammography and is usually used to investigate an abnormality detected by mammography or found during a breast exam. It is not a substitute for mammography, except in special circumstances like pregnancy or the lactating breast.Ultrasound is also useful in helping radiologists guide a breast biopsy to determine whether a breast abnormality is cancerous or not.
What is it like having an ultrasound?
You will lie down on a table. The technologist will apply a gel to the part of the skin over which the transducer (a hand-held probe) will pass. The gel serves two purposes: It lubricates the skin and enhances the transmission of the sound waves. The gel feels cool and slippery.
During the test the technologist or the doctor moves the transducer back and forth. You may be asked to hold your breath during the scan to prevent excess movement. The operator may adjust knobs or dials to increase the depth to which the sound waves are sent.
Does a breast ultrasound show more than a mammogram?
Mammography is still the best way to image the entire breast. Ultrasound is used to target certain areas in question on the mammogram, as well as lumps and painful areas that the patient or physician is concerned about. Breast ultrsound is a compliment to mammography.
Why do I have to have a full bladder for a pelvic ultrasound?
A distended bladder acts as a "window" through which the sound waves travel and allows the sonographer to visualize the pelvic organs. A distended bladder also displaces bowel, which can prevent visualization of the pelvic organs.
Why do I have to fast for an abdominal ultrasound?
Fasting reduces the amount of air in the stomach and intestines which can interfere with visualization of the abdominal organs. It also ensures that the gallbladder will be distended so it can be thoroughly evaluated.
Can you tell me the sex of my baby?
If the baby is in a good position for the sonographer to see the genital region, the baby's sex can be determined. The sex can be determined as early as 14 to 16 weeks, although it may not be clearly visible until 20 to 22 weeks.
What is 3D ultrasound?
3D ultrasound is a medical ultrasound technique used during pregnancy, providing three dimensional
images of the fetus. In 3D fetal scanning, however, instead of the sound waves being sent straight down and reflected back, they are sent at different angles. The returning echoes are processed by a sophisticated computer program resulting in a reconstructed three dimensional volume image of fetus's surface or internal organs; allowing one to see width, height and depth of images in much the same way as 3D movies but no movement is shown.
images of the fetus. In 3D fetal scanning, however, instead of the sound waves being sent straight down and reflected back, they are sent at different angles. The returning echoes are processed by a sophisticated computer program resulting in a reconstructed three dimensional volume image of fetus's surface or internal organs; allowing one to see width, height and depth of images in much the same way as 3D movies but no movement is shown.Will my insurance company pay for 3D ultrasound of my baby?
A 3D ultrasound is not a medically necessary exam, so insurance companies do not pay for it. You might consider this ultrasound as investment much like hiring a professional photographer.
How and when will I get the results of the exam?
Your doctor should receive a written report in 3 to 5 business days. If requested by your physician, a report can be called to him/her the day of the exam. Your results will be available to you from your
doctor.
Adopted from http://www.wishmd.com/services/ultrasound.html
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