a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to form images of tissues and other structures inside the breast

Scan of the breast using sound waves.

Breast ultrasound is an accurate non-invasive means of evaluating the solid or cystic nature of breast masses. It is usually used in conjunction with a mammogram to characterize a mass seen on the x-ray image. Sometimes in very young or pregnant woman, an ultrasound only is performed if a mass is clinically palpable. A water soluble gel is applied to the surface of the breast and a electronic sound device called a transducer is placed on the breast and an image appears on the screen.