US BREAST SINGLE

Ultrasound of Single Breast Overview

Ultrasound imaging (US) of a single breast is a type of a breast imaging procedure within the scope of breast radiology which employs the use of sound waves to detect breast abnormalities like lumps, cysts or tumours as well as injuries within the breast tissues. This procedure is very often used after mammograms, or as the first imaging study for younger women or those with dense breast tissues. 

What is Ultrasound of Single Breast? 

Ultrasound of a single breast utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue in real time. It is particularly useful for distinguishing between solid masses and cysts which contain fluids, this aids in the detection of breast conditions at an early stage. 

Types of Ultrasounds of Single Breast 

• Conventional Ultrasound: First imaging option for evaluating lumps and other abnormalities within the breast.  
• Doppler Ultrasound: Used to analyse blood supply to breast tissues. Important in the diagnosis of vascular tumours. 
• Elastography: Measures the stiffness of the tissue for differentiating benign from malignant lesions. 

List of Parameters Considered During Ultrasound of Single Breast

• Presence of lumps and masses and their characteristics. 
• Composed of liquid versus solid lesions. 
• Irregularities in contour, size, margin. 
• Blood circulation in the suspicious regions [evaluation with doppler].  
• Tissue density and elasticity. 

Reasons for Taking an Ultrasound of Single Breast

• Assessment of breast lumps or masses.  
• Cysts, fibroadenoma and abscess diagnosis.  
• Evaluation of breast pain or inflammation.  
• Stepwise guidance for minimally invasive procedures such as biopsies. 

When and Who Needs an Ultrasound of Single Breast? 

Indications:  

• Breast lump that is palpable  
• Pain/ swelling in the breast without any known cause.  
• Any change in nipple secretions or skin over the area  
• Previous abnormal findings in a mammogram  
• Regular follow-up of known benign lesions in the breast 

Patient Demographics:  

• Female under the age of 40 with dense breast characteristics  
• History of benign breast conditions  
• Patients who require focused evaluation of imagining findings in a single breast 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Painless and non-invasive procedure.  
• Free from radiation exposure. 
• Instant imaging. 
• Young women with active breast tissue are better candidates. 

Illness Diagnosed with Ultrasound of Single Breast

• Mastitis – inflammatory condition of breast tissue due an infection. 
• Breast cancer – malignant tumour of breast characterized by the presence of suspicious mass. 
• Abscess – pus pockets, collection of infected tissue within breast. 
• Fibroadenomas – non-cancerous sore lumps within the breast tissues.  
• Cysts – sac-like structures that contain fluid and are found in breast tissues. 

Preparing for Ultrasound of Single Breast

• Loosened and comfortable clothing.  
• No dietary changes are necessary, other than stopping the use of lotions and creams before the scan. 

Pre-requisites 

• The exam can be done at any time; there are no limitations. 

Best Time to Take the Ultrasound of Single Breast 

The examination can be conducted at any point, though best is after the menstruation window, when the breasts and nipples usually tend to be less sore. 

Eligibility 

Not harmful to any individual, including women who are pregnant and those in the postnatal period of breastfeeding. 

Procedure for Taking an Ultrasound of Single Breast 

The patient is positioned on an examination chair and the breast is made accessible. 

• A water-soluble gel is utilized to facilitate the movement of sound waves. 
• The sonographer places a handheld probe on the surface of the breast to take photographs. 
• The procedure lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. 
• A radiologist assesses the findings and prepares the report. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Advise the technologist of any prior surgical interventions or implants of the breast. 

• Remain calm and motionless throughout the scan to enable accurate imaging.