A breast ultrasound is an important tool that helps your doctor assess your breast health. It is an imaging tool that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your breasts. This is helpful in finding and assessing various breast health issues. In addition to the images, a breast ultrasound can also help your doctor see how well blood flows in your breasts. This type of imaging is often recommended when there are potential issues detected during your mammogram or when changes are felt on the outside of your breast. Getting a breast ultrasound when your doctor recommends it is important for your health. Below you will find information on how to prepare and what to wear for a breast ultrasound.
What to Wear for Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. It is a smooth experience as you won’t experience any pain or discomfort. Before your ultrasound, you may wonder what you should wear. It’s important to be comfortable and wear clothing that allows for seamless access to your breasts. You will be asked to undress from the waist up so it’s helpful to wear a two-piece outfit. Opt for either pants or a skirt and a top that’s easy to remove. They should also be loose so you are comfortable during the ultrasound. You will be provided a medical gown to cover up when you undress and for the duration of the ultrasound.
In addition to wearing comfortable clothing, avoid wearing clothing with metallic elements. This includes underwires or clothing with metal snaps or buttons. Even though you will remove your top, metal can interfere with your ultrasound imaging results. Because of this, you may need to remove your bottoms as well. However, you can avoid this by wearing clothing that does not have metallic elements. Take off your jewelry before you head to your appointment as well, including any bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.
Breast Ultrasound Appointment
A breast ultrasound appointment should not take more than one hour. The actual ultrasound itself takes just 15 to 30 minutes. Once the ultrasound begins the provider uses a wand-like device to perform the ultrasound. The device is called a transducer and it is moved over your skin to get the images of your breasts. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off your breast tissue and ultimately create the images. This can help your doctor diagnose and treat any issues you may have related to your breast health.
Sometimes your doctor may also want to assess the blood flow in the area. If this occurs, another tool called a Doppler probe is used to examine how fast blood is flowing through a blood vessel, in addition to the direction it is flooring. Both tools allow your doctor to get additional information about your breast health. This can help rule out, diagnose, or treat various breast health issues.
The Importance of Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is a serious health concern that impacts millions of women. Breast cancer screening is necessary to detect the issue as early as possible. Early intervention is key when it comes to a breast cancer diagnosis. A mammogram is the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer. In many cases, you don’t need additional testing beyond regular mammograms. However, women who have dense breasts or have suspicious masses during their mammogram may need a breast ultrasound. A breast ultrasound can provide your doctor with more data to help you make informed decisions about your health. Contact the team at Pink Door Imaging today if you are due for a mammogram!