Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is a safe, painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of your breast tissue. Your care team may recommend this test to learn more about an area found during a mammogram or physical exam. Breast ultrasounds help providers evaluate lumps, changes in breast tissue or areas of concern without using radiation.
At OSF HealthCare, breast ultrasounds are part of a comprehensive breast health program focused on your comfort, accurate diagnosis and coordinated care. Our advanced imaging technology and integrated team support you from screening through follow-up, helping you get answers quickly.
What is a breast ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your breast. It helps providers look more closely at breast tissue and determine whether a lump or abnormal area is benign or cancerous.
When is a breast ultrasound recommended?
Your provider may recommend a breast ultrasound if you:
- Feel a lump or notice breast changes during a self-exam or clinical exam
- Have dense breast tissue, which can make abnormalities harder to see on a mammogram
- Need further evaluation after an abnormal mammogram
- Need imaging guidance during certain breast procedures, such as a biopsy
- Need monitoring or follow-up imaging for a known cyst or benign lump
Breast ultrasounds are often used alongside mammograms to provide a clearer and more complete view of your breast health.
How Breast Ultrasound Works
A breast ultrasound is noninvasive and does not use radiation. Instead, it uses sound waves to create images of your breast tissue.
During the test, a handheld device called a transducer sends sound waves into your breast. These sound waves bounce off tissue and return to the device, which creates images your provider can review. Because different types of tissue reflect sound waves differently, ultrasounds help providers distinguish between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses.
Ultrasound can be especially helpful if you have dense breast tissue. On a mammogram, both dense tissue and abnormalities often appear white. On an ultrasound, dense tissue typically appears lighter while suspicious masses may appear darker, helping providers evaluate areas more clearly.
What to Expect During an Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is usually quick and comfortable. Most exams take about 30 minutes.
During your appointment, you will:
- Lie on an exam table
- Have a small amount of warm gel applied to your breast
- Feel the technologist gently move the handheld transducer over the skin to capture images
Ultrasounds are typically painless, though you may feel mild pressure. There is no recovery time, and you can return to normal activities right away.
OSF HealthCare focuses on creating a calm, supportive imaging environment so you feel comfortable throughout your visit.
Breast Ultrasound vs. Mammogram vs. ABUS
Each breast imaging test plays an important role in protecting your breast health. Your provider may recommend one or a combination of these tests depending on your personal risk factors and breast density.
| Imaging Type | How It Works | Best For | Radiation |
| Mammogram | Low-dose X-rays create 2D or 3D images | Routine breast cancer screening | Yes |
| ABUS breast ultrasound | Automated 3D ultrasound images using sound waves | Women with dense breasts, follow-up to mammogram | No |
| Handheld ultrasound | Technician manually moves transducer over breast | Evaluating specific lumps or abnormal areas found in earlier screenings | No |
When comparing breast ultrasound vs. mammogram, it’s important to know that these tests work together. Mammograms remain the primary screening tool for breast cancer, while ultrasounds provide additional detail when further evaluation is needed.
Automated breast ultrasound is an FDA-approved screening option used with mammograms for women with dense breast tissue. This technology creates 3D images and can help detect cancers that may not be visible on mammograms alone.
Interpreting Breast Ultrasound Results
Your results will be reviewed by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in interpreting medical images. Results typically fall into a few common categories:
- Fluid-filled cysts: These are usually benign and may not require treatment.
- Solid masses: Some are noncancerous, but additional imaging or a biopsy may be recommended.
- Normal findings: No concerning abnormalities are seen.
Many people wonder what percentage of breast ultrasounds are cancerous. Most breast ultrasound findings are not cancer. Ultrasound is commonly used to confirm that a lump is a harmless cyst or benign condition. If your results show an area that needs closer evaluation, your provider will explain next steps and guide you through additional testing if needed.
Your OSF HealthCare care team works closely together to review your results and create a personalized care plan so you understand what they mean for your health.
Take the Next Step in Protecting Your Breast Health
Talk to your primary care provider about what screening option is right for you.