ULTRASOUND OF BOTH BREASTS

Ultrasound of Both Breasts Overview

Ultrasound of both breasts refers to a non-surgical imaging method which tests the internal structure of breast tissues for lumps, cysts or tumours. Using sound waves of high frequency, it forms detailed images which are important in diagnosis as they do not necessitate radiation. 

What is Ultrasound of Both Breasts? 

Breast ultrasound involves the use of sound waves to capture the breast tissue's moving images. It is also good in evaluation of dense breast tissue and differentiating between cancerous and non-cancerous growths. There is no radiation used in ultrasound unlike in mammograms, making it a safer option for imaging. 

Types of Breast Ultrasound 

• Conventional Breast Ultrasound: Imaging used to assess lumps and cysts. 
• Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluates the blood supply of breast lesions and cancerous growths. 

List of Parameters Considered During Ultrasound of Both Breasts

• Size, shape, and texture of malignant masses. 
• The presence of cysts, tumours, or lesions of secondary lymph nodes or their enlargement. 
• Blood circulation patterns (applicable if a Doppler ultrasound is used) 

Reasons for Taking an Ultrasound of Both Breasts

• To check to see the nature of a lump in breasts. 
• Check symptoms which include pain or any unusual case of discharge from the nipple. 
• Monitoring anomalies previously detected. 
• Helping to assist with biopsy ultrasound procedures 

When and Who Needs an Ultrasound of Both Breasts? 

Indications: 

• Noticeable lumps in breasts 
• Soreness in the breasts 
• Abrupt change in nipple discharge 
• Previous mammogram results 
• Young pregnant women with abnormal breasts 

Patient Demographics: 

• Most women with complex breast tissues. 
• Patients who undergo the treatment of breast cysts or suffer from fibrocystic changes. 
• Patients above the age of thirty who undergo routine breast checkups. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Non-intrusive and painless 
• Eliminates the possibility of radiation exposure 
• Evaluation of dense breast tissue is one of its strong points 
• It images breast structures while providing imaging of the tissues in real time 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Ultrasound of Both Breasts

• Cysts in the breast 
• Malignant tumours known as fibroadenomas 
• Infections and abscesses of the breast 
• Potentially cancerous solid masses 

Preparing for an Ultrasound of Both Breasts

• Avoid fasting, no other special preparations are necessary 
• Deodorants, powders, or lotions of any kind should be avoided when it comes to the breast area 
• Dress in easy two-piece clothes to allow easy access 

Pre - requisites 

• None 

Best Time to Take the Ultrasound of Both Breasts 

• There are no limitations on when to do it, but right after the menstrual period is ideal in order to reduce tenderness associated with menstruation 

Eligibility 

• Suitable for everyone, including those who are pregnant 

Procedure for Taking an Ultrasound of Both Breasts 

• The patient is asked to take a position on the examination table with her arms raised above the head. 
• Application of the cutaneous ultrasound of gel-like substance is administered to the breast to help with sound wave conduction. 
• The sonographer places a probe that can be handheld on the breast to image the breast. 
• Examination covers both breasts with the surrounding lymph nodes. 
• The operation will last around 15-30 minutes. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• Tell the technician about all past breast surgeries and any breast implants done. 
• Alert the physician of any new symptoms.