My Breakthrough
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan (like those used in pregnancy) is a simple test that uses sound waves to build up a picture of the breast. This test is done in the hospital's scanning department.
How to prepare for the test
When having an ultrasound, it is a good idea to wear something that will allow you to gain access to your breasts easily, such as a blouse or shirt. Having an ultrasound should take only 5-10 minutes and is completely painless. No radiation is used.How is the test peformed?
A gel is spread over the breast to help to conduct the sound waves. Be prepared as this can be cold! A special sensor, similar to a microphone, is moved across the breast area skin. This transmits sound waves to the breast, some of which are bounced back and some are absorbed. The returning sound waves are picked up, converted into an image using a computer and displayed on a screen.Why is the test performed?
An ultrasound scan is particularly useful for telling the difference between a solid lump and a cyst. With a liquid-filled cyst, the sound waves pass directly through, whilst a solid lump bounces the waves right back to the film. It can also be used for predicting tumour size.An ultrasound scan can be used if you are under 35. This is because in younger women the breast tissue is quite dense and this can make it difficult to detect changes on a mammogram.
Colour Doppler
Some types of ultrasound machines can display the blood supply to a lump. This shows up as patches of red/blue colour on the scan. In some cases, this may help to distinguish between a benign lump and a cancerous lump.
Also within "Diagnosis"
