After you have a mammogram, you may need a breast ultrasound to get a more detailed image of the tissues inside your breast. The women’s breast imaging center at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., makes it easy for you to get all the diagnostic breast imaging you need because it offers mammograms and breast ultrasound in one location. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Rochester Hills or Troy, Michigan, or use the convenient online booking feature.

What is a breast ultrasound?

Breast ultrasound, which is also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the tissues inside your breast.

Your provider creates ultrasound images using a device called a transducer. The transducer sends out sound waves that safely and painlessly enter your body.

The sound waves bounce off the tissues they encounter and return to the transducer. Then the transducer sends them to a computer that translates the information into real-time images.

When do I need a breast ultrasound?

If you have a mammogram that reveals a mass or other potential problem, your provider at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., does a breast ultrasound to get more details about the tumor.

They offer two types of breast ultrasound:

Diagnostic breast ultrasound

A diagnostic breast ultrasound uses a handheld transducer placed against your breast. Your provider directs the sound waves toward the mass revealed by your mammogram.

The images produced during the ultrasound show if you have a solid mass or a cyst. The ultrasound also provides information about the size, shape, and precise location of the mass. When needed, a special technique called Doppler ultrasound can also show the blood supply to the tumor.

Whole-breast ultrasound

A whole-breast ultrasound creates an image of your entire breast using either a handheld device or an automated machine. This type of ultrasound is most often for women with dense breasts. 

Dense breast tissue is common, but this type of tissue looks like a solid white spot on a mammogram. Ultrasound does a better job of detecting breast cancer in these tissues.

Like a diagnostic breast ultrasound, a whole-breast ultrasound is always done in addition to a mammogram. While ultrasound reveals unique details, your mammogram picks up on other potential problems that don’t appear on an ultrasound, such as small calcifications.

What happens during a breast ultrasound?

When you have an ultrasound, your provider first places a special gel on your breast. The gel makes it easier for sound waves to go through your skin. 

Then your provider places the transducer against your skin to obtain the image. During a diagnostic breast ultrasound, your provider may move the device over your skin until they get the best image.

If you get a whole-breast ultrasound, your provider places the specially shaped transducer over your breast. For both types, you only need to relax and lie still. You may feel slight pressure, but an ultrasound doesn’t cause any discomfort.

To schedule a breast ultrasound, call Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., or book an appointment online.