When used in conjunction with a mammogram, a breast ultrasound can provide additional valuable information about breast abnormalities that may have been detected. This can enable you to get a faster, and more detailed, accurate breast diagnosis.
A breast Ultrasound can be used to support any further queries should an abnormality such as a lump or change in breast tissue needs to be investigated further.
An ultrasound works by emitting high frequency sound waves that reflect off the breast tissue and comes back at different frequencies to allow the breast ultrasound machine to produce the picture our radiologists are able to see on screen.
The picture created enables our radiologists to see what is going on inside the breast, helping us to look at what a mammogram has identified in greater detail. For example, this could help to determine a fluid-filled cyst from a lump that is solid. Remember, being referred for an ultrasound does not mean you have breast cancer. It simply means we need to carry out some more tests to understand the nature and cause of what has been discovered.
The results of your breast ultrasound will be available for you to discuss with your doctor immediately after your scan. Depending on the nature of your results, you will either be told to come for another breast screen in a few years, or further tests and imaging may be required.
Breast ultrasounds are excellent when used in combination with other breast screening methods such as mammography or MRIs and help to investigate any breast problems in greater detail. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure that is carried out in less than 30 minutes, and is ideal for women with dense breast tissue. Breast ultrasounds can help identify whether breast skin thickening is simply a change in breast tissue.
There is no exposure to radiation, which makes it ideal for pregnant women, or where there is a risk with exposure to radiation.
There is nothing in particular you need to do to prepare for your private breast ultrasound with us. The scan is quick and painless, and you should be able to go home straight afterwards.
Unlike many other procedures, breast ultrasounds are virtually risk-free. It is non-invasive and involves no exposure to radiation, unlike other imaging scans.
You may be wondering what a breast ultrasound costs. If this is the case, please do contact the clinic for further information. View our full self-pay price list for our range of private healthcare service costs.
Breast ultrasound scans are generally used in conjunction with other breast screening services to view the breast in greater detail. It is not used as a routine screen to detect breast cancer. However, breast cancer ultrasound images can be used with other tools to assist a breast cancer diagnosis.
One of the main differences between a breast ultrasound and mammogram is that a breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image, whereas a mammogram uses x-rays. Mammograms are generally more effective for breast screening services, particularly in non-symptomatic patients, whereas breast ultrasounds are useful to assist in symptomatic cases. One isn’t superior to the other, they are simply best used in different cases.
A referral from a doctor is required for a breast ultrasound.
To get a breast ultrasound appointment you will require a referral from a doctor. You can not book an appointment for a private breast ultrasound by self referral.
If you do not have a referral, please visit our breast care services to book an appointment.
To request information on any of our other services, please call or complete the enquiry form below:
