Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSignsFurther TestsPreparationHow It WorksResultsNext Steps
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Signs
Further Tests
Preparation
How It Works
Results
Next Steps
Breast cancer ultrasound can help detect signs of potential cancer, such as irregular lumps or abnormal features within a lump or mass. However, while ultrasound can identify suspicious areas, it cannot definitely diagnose cancer on its own. Further tests, such as amammogramor biopsy, are required to confirm or rule out a breast cancer diagnosis.
Breast cancer lumps usually feel hard with irregular edges. It’s uncommon for them to feel soft and smooth. In people with dense breast tissue,breast cancer lumpsmay be difficult to feel, and can occasionally be missed on a breast cancer mammogram. For these people, breast cancer ultrasounds can be particularly helpful for detecting small, potentially cancerous abnormalities.
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Can You See Breast Cancer on Ultrasound?
Yes, breast cancer can sometimes be seen on an ultrasound. This imaging test is often used to evaluate suspicious breast lumps or abnormalities found during a mammogram.
Ultrasound helps distinguish betweenfluid-filled cystsand solid tumors, which may appear similar on a mammogram.It’s particularly helpful for people with dense breast tissue, where glandular tissue and cancerous growths both appear white on a mammogram, making them harder to tell apart.
Breast ultrasounds are especially effective at identifying small tumors in dense tissue, which is common in younger individuals and those with a low body mass index (BMI). Because dense breast tissue is more prevalent in these groups, healthcare providers may recommend an ultrasound if you’re under 30 and have a lump you can feel.
Ultrasound is also valuable for guiding biopsies, helping healthcare providers accurately target suspicious areas for tissue sampling. It can even assess changes in blood flow within the breast, which could signal conditions like inflammation.
However, ultrasounds aren’t a standalone screening method for breast cancer. They can miss early signs of cancer, such as microcalcifications—tiny calcium deposits that mammograms are better at detecting. For this reason, ultrasounds are typically used as part of a broader diagnostic approach.
Suspicious Features on Ultrasound
Ultrasound can help determine if a breast lump has features that suggest cancer, such as:
Ultrasound may also reveal other abnormalities that require further investigation, such as:
What Color Is a Cancerous Lump on Ultrasound?A cancerous lump on ultrasound typically appearshypoechoic, meaning it shows up as a darker area compared to the surrounding tissue. This darker appearance occurs because the lump reflects fewer sound waves, which is often a characteristic of denser, potentially malignant tissue.
What Color Is a Cancerous Lump on Ultrasound?
A cancerous lump on ultrasound typically appearshypoechoic, meaning it shows up as a darker area compared to the surrounding tissue. This darker appearance occurs because the lump reflects fewer sound waves, which is often a characteristic of denser, potentially malignant tissue.
What Scans Confirm Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed through three tests:
If these tests suggest cancer, the provider typically performs abreast biopsy, which can sometimes be done under ultrasound guidance to target the suspicious tissue accurately. The biopsy results confirm the diagnosis and guide the development of a treatment plan.
When Is the Best Time to Do a Breast Ultrasound?For people who menstruate, the best time to screen for breast cancer is within the first seven to 14 days after a period. During this time, breast tissue is the least dense and swollen, which helps ensure clearer imaging for accurate results. That said, screening can be done at any time there are specific symptoms or concerns, such as a lump.
When Is the Best Time to Do a Breast Ultrasound?
For people who menstruate, the best time to screen for breast cancer is within the first seven to 14 days after a period. During this time, breast tissue is the least dense and swollen, which helps ensure clearer imaging for accurate results. That said, screening can be done at any time there are specific symptoms or concerns, such as a lump.
Preparing for Your Ultrasound
Don’t use lotion, cream, powder, or any other substance on your breasts on the exam day. You can wear deodorant if you’re only getting an ultrasound.If you are also getting a mammogram, do not use deodorant.
Most facilities require you to disrobe from the waist up for this test. You will also be asked to remove jewelry, such as necklaces or piercing jewelry. Comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off may make sense. You will be given a hospital gown to wear during testing.
The warm gel placed on your breasts during the test will be removed afterward. Any leftover residue will not stain your clothing once you put it back on. If you choose, you may bring moistened wipes for cleanliness and comfort after testing.
During the Test
You will be lying down for either the handheld transducer or the ABUS test. You may also be asked to lie on your side. Ultrasounds take around 15 to 30 minutes.
Handheld Transducer:This common breast ultrasound involves applying gel to your skin, with the technician using a handheld transducer to examine the breast or a specific area of concern. The transducer emits sound waves, creating images from the echoes that appear on a computer screen. In some cases, a Doppler probe may be added to measure blood flow in the breast’s blood vessels.Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS):This test uses a large transducer that scans the entire breast and takes hundreds of images. This test is useful for viewing the entire breast as a screening tool. In some instances, a wand transducer will be used to focus on specific areas after the ABUS test is completed.
Unlike mammograms, your breasts will not be compressed between two plates in a machine during the test. The technician will be with you for the entire procedure. If you feel discomfort or have questions, let them know.
There are no physical aftereffects from this test. Protocols vary at testing facilities. You may get your results at your appointment, or, you may have to wait until your report is read and sent to your healthcare provider. This may take several days or longer.
Interpreting Results
Breast ultrasound results are analyzed using theBreast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). This is the same system used to analyze the results of other breast tests, including mammograms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
What Comes Next
Further testing, such as a breast biopsy, will be scheduled if anything suspicious is seen on your ultrasound. Otherwise, your healthcare provider will let you know when to schedule your next breast cancer screening test. These are usually done annually or every other year.
Ask if you should repeat the ultrasound test as a screening tool or only have another mammogram. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, an annualbreast MRImay be recommended in addition to a mammogram.
Summary
Breast ultrasounds are noninvasive tests often done after a suspicious or unclear mammogram. They may also be done as screening tests in people with dense breasts.
Breast ultrasounds don’t require any special type of preparation. The test itself takes around 30 minutes to complete. You may receive your test results immediately, on-site. Sometimes, test results may be sent to your healthcare provider within several days.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sood R, Rositch A, Shakoor D, et al.Ultrasound for breast cancer detection globally: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Glob Oncol. 2019 Aug;5(1):JGO.19.00127. doi:10.1200/JGO.19.00127American Cancer Society.What does the doctor look for on a mammogram?MD Anderson Cancer Center.Dense breast tissue: what it is, and what to do if you have it.Ibrahim R, Rahmat K, Fadzli F, et al.Evaluation of solid breast lesions with power Doppler: value of penetrating vessels as a predictor of malignancy.Singapore Med J. 2016;57(11):634-640. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016001Johns Hopkins Medicine.Breast ultrasound.Iacob R, Iacob E, Stoicescu E, et al.Evaluating the role of breast ultrasound in early detection of breast cancer in low- and middle-income countries: a comprehensive narrative review.Bioengineering. 2024;11(3):262. doi:10.3390/bioengineering11030262Wen X, Guo X, Wang S, Lu Z, Zhang Y.Breast cancer diagnosis: a systematic review.Biocybernetics and Biomed Engineer. 2024 Mar;44(1):119-148. doi:10.1016/j.bbe.2024.01.002Fred Hutch Cancer Center.Of mammograms and menstrual cycles: Timing is everything.St. Lukes’s Hospital Iowa Health System.Breast ultrasound.American Cancer Society.What is a breast ultrasound?.American Cancer Society.Understanding your mammogram report.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sood R, Rositch A, Shakoor D, et al.Ultrasound for breast cancer detection globally: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Glob Oncol. 2019 Aug;5(1):JGO.19.00127. doi:10.1200/JGO.19.00127American Cancer Society.What does the doctor look for on a mammogram?MD Anderson Cancer Center.Dense breast tissue: what it is, and what to do if you have it.Ibrahim R, Rahmat K, Fadzli F, et al.Evaluation of solid breast lesions with power Doppler: value of penetrating vessels as a predictor of malignancy.Singapore Med J. 2016;57(11):634-640. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016001Johns Hopkins Medicine.Breast ultrasound.Iacob R, Iacob E, Stoicescu E, et al.Evaluating the role of breast ultrasound in early detection of breast cancer in low- and middle-income countries: a comprehensive narrative review.Bioengineering. 2024;11(3):262. doi:10.3390/bioengineering11030262Wen X, Guo X, Wang S, Lu Z, Zhang Y.Breast cancer diagnosis: a systematic review.Biocybernetics and Biomed Engineer. 2024 Mar;44(1):119-148. doi:10.1016/j.bbe.2024.01.002Fred Hutch Cancer Center.Of mammograms and menstrual cycles: Timing is everything.St. Lukes’s Hospital Iowa Health System.Breast ultrasound.American Cancer Society.What is a breast ultrasound?.American Cancer Society.Understanding your mammogram report.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sood R, Rositch A, Shakoor D, et al.Ultrasound for breast cancer detection globally: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Glob Oncol. 2019 Aug;5(1):JGO.19.00127. doi:10.1200/JGO.19.00127American Cancer Society.What does the doctor look for on a mammogram?MD Anderson Cancer Center.Dense breast tissue: what it is, and what to do if you have it.Ibrahim R, Rahmat K, Fadzli F, et al.Evaluation of solid breast lesions with power Doppler: value of penetrating vessels as a predictor of malignancy.Singapore Med J. 2016;57(11):634-640. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016001Johns Hopkins Medicine.Breast ultrasound.Iacob R, Iacob E, Stoicescu E, et al.Evaluating the role of breast ultrasound in early detection of breast cancer in low- and middle-income countries: a comprehensive narrative review.Bioengineering. 2024;11(3):262. doi:10.3390/bioengineering11030262Wen X, Guo X, Wang S, Lu Z, Zhang Y.Breast cancer diagnosis: a systematic review.Biocybernetics and Biomed Engineer. 2024 Mar;44(1):119-148. doi:10.1016/j.bbe.2024.01.002Fred Hutch Cancer Center.Of mammograms and menstrual cycles: Timing is everything.St. Lukes’s Hospital Iowa Health System.Breast ultrasound.American Cancer Society.What is a breast ultrasound?.American Cancer Society.Understanding your mammogram report.
Sood R, Rositch A, Shakoor D, et al.Ultrasound for breast cancer detection globally: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Glob Oncol. 2019 Aug;5(1):JGO.19.00127. doi:10.1200/JGO.19.00127
American Cancer Society.What does the doctor look for on a mammogram?
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Dense breast tissue: what it is, and what to do if you have it.
Ibrahim R, Rahmat K, Fadzli F, et al.Evaluation of solid breast lesions with power Doppler: value of penetrating vessels as a predictor of malignancy.Singapore Med J. 2016;57(11):634-640. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016001
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Breast ultrasound.
Iacob R, Iacob E, Stoicescu E, et al.Evaluating the role of breast ultrasound in early detection of breast cancer in low- and middle-income countries: a comprehensive narrative review.Bioengineering. 2024;11(3):262. doi:10.3390/bioengineering11030262
Wen X, Guo X, Wang S, Lu Z, Zhang Y.Breast cancer diagnosis: a systematic review.Biocybernetics and Biomed Engineer. 2024 Mar;44(1):119-148. doi:10.1016/j.bbe.2024.01.002
Fred Hutch Cancer Center.Of mammograms and menstrual cycles: Timing is everything.
St. Lukes’s Hospital Iowa Health System.Breast ultrasound.
American Cancer Society.What is a breast ultrasound?.
American Cancer Society.Understanding your mammogram report.
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