A breast ultrasound is a safe and effective diagnostic tool that can help detect breast cancer and examine your overall breast health. The diagnostic tool uses sound waves to examine the inside of your breast tissues. It is a non-invasive and pain-free tool that can detect breast abnormalities, such as breast cancer, cysts, and other non-cancerous lumps. You may wonder, does a breast ultrasound look at lymph nodes? Below you will find more information about the tool and its respective benefits.
Does a Breast Ultrasound Look at Lymph Nodes
A breast ultrasound is non-invasive and fast. The procedure involves the application of a special gel to your breast by an ultrasound technician. A handheld device is then used to capture images of your breast tissue. The images help your doctor understand your breast health, including the size, shape, and texture of any lumps, masses, or other breast abnormalities.
A breast ultrasound can also evaluate the lymph nodes located in your armpit as they are close to your breast. However, a standard breast ultrasound is primarily focused on examining your breast tissue. Examining your lymph nodes is not a regular part of a standard breast ultrasound. If your medical provider is concerned that there are issues with your lymph nodes, different imaging may be necessary. This often includes an MRI or CT scan and will be recommended by your doctor if necessary.
Signs You Need A Breast Ultrasound
You may wonder when you need to get a breast ultrasound. The following signs indicate you may need a breast ultrasound. If you experience any of the following, contact your medical provider right away to determine what imaging you need.
Lumps or Abnormalities:
If you feel a lump or other abnormality during a self-breast exam, it’s time to contact your medical provider.
Abnormalities Detected During Mammogram:
If any abnormalities are detected during your regular mammogram, a breast ultrasound may be necessary. Your medical provider will provide you with the necessary recommendations in terms of the next steps.
Breast Pain or Tenderness:
If you still have your cycle, you may experience breast pain and tenderness. If you experience more pain than usual, or if you experience breast pain or tenderness out of nowhere, it’s important to contact your medical provider. Imaging may be necessary to diagnose the issue.
Doctor’s Recommendation:
Your doctor may recommend breast imaging for a variety of reasons. It may be necessary to monitor the changes in your breast tissue and evaluate abnormal breast symptoms. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding imaging.
Benefits of a Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is a highly effective tool that can help assess your breast health. It is safe, non-invasive, and pain-free. It is also a fast and smooth procedure so you are in and out of the office generally within one hour. Additionally, the results are highly accurate in detecting breast lumps and abnormalities. This is especially beneficial for women with dense breast tissue.
Most importantly, the diagnostic tool is highly valuable when it comes to detecting breast cancer early. This is important as it can improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery after a breast cancer diagnosis. It is important to understand that a breast ultrasound is not a substitute for a mammogram. It is still important to get regular mammograms and follow your medical provider’s recommendations about imaging.
Breast Cancer Screening Clinic
If you need breast imaging, Pink Door Imaging offers safe and effective services. They offer an integrated approach to women’s diagnostic imaging to provide you with the most accurate and prompt results. Contact the top breast cancer screening clinic today to schedule an appointment!