In dense breast tissue, the ultrasound can create an image that often allows a doctor to distinguish between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass. Breast ultrasound can image several different types of breast conditions, including both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) lesions.
Ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening mammography or diagnostic mammography or during a physician performed clinical breast exam. Mammograms do not make this distinction as accurately, though they are better than ultrasounds at detecting microcalcifications (which can be an early
sign of breast cancer). Often, breast abnormalities that are suspected to be cancerousafter a mammogram can be identified as benign with a follow-up ultrasound examination.
Benign breast abnormalities can include cysts and plugged milk ducts. Ultrasound imaging requires a licensed sonogram technician who can examine suspect areas of the breast by positioning the transducer in several positions. The operator must decide when to reposition the transducer, or the patient, in order to get the best images.
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