Breast Ultrasound: When It Is Performed, Procedure, and Results

Breast ultrasound is an imaging examination used to view the inside of the breast. This examination allows doctors to examine specific areas of the breast in greater detail, especially when there is an area that requires further evaluation.

Doctors may recommend a breast ultrasound after a mammogram to examine detected changes more clearly. Breast ultrasound may also be performed as an additional examination alongside mammography for breast cancer screening.

Breast ultrasound can help determine whether a breast lump is a fluid-filled cyst, which is generally noncancerous, or a solid mass that may be associated with cancer and may require further examination.

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When should a breast ultrasound be performed?

Your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound if you:

Have dense breasts, particularly category C or D.
Have a breast lump or abnormality.
Are under 35 years old and experiencing breast symptoms.
Are pregnant or breastfeeding and experiencing breast-related concerns.
Have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Have breast implants.
Have a cyst or fibroadenoma that needs to be monitored.
Experience pain, swelling, redness, skin changes, nipple inversion, or nipple discharge.
Need guidance during a breast biopsy or procedure.
Have been diagnosed with breast cancer to help assess the condition and spread of the cancer.

Breast ultrasound procedure

To obtain images of the inside of the breast, an ultrasound technician moves a handheld device (transducer) over the breast and surrounding tissue. The transducer uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the tissues and structures inside the breast. The technician uses a computer monitor to view the images captured by the transducer.

On the day of your breast ultrasound, avoid wearing deodorant or applying lotion or powder on or around your breasts. These products can make the images more difficult to see clearly. You should also wear comfortable clothing to make changing easier.

During a breast ultrasound:

You will remove your clothing from the waist up and take off all jewelry.
You will change into a gown or robe that opens at the front.
You will lie on an examination table. The ultrasound technician will help position you properly, with your arms placed above your head.
The technician will apply clear, water-based gel to your breast and the transducer.
They will place the transducer against your breast and move it to the appropriate position to obtain the necessary images.
They will save the best images of the area being examined. They may briefly leave the room to consult with your doctor. This does not necessarily mean that they have found anything concerning.
Your doctor may also enter the room and scan your breast to view the images directly or in real time.

A breast ultrasound generally takes around 30 minutes. The examination time may vary from person to person, depending on the condition of the breast and the areas that need to be examined.

Does breast ultrasound have any risks or limitations?

Breast ultrasound produces images using sound waves, so there is no radiation exposure. There are no known risks associated with ultrasound technology. However, ultrasound has limitations: healthcare providers typically use it to examine a specific area of the breast. This is why mammography remains the best tool for examining the entire breast. If you have a higher risk of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend breast ultrasound in combination with mammography for screening.

When will I receive my breast ultrasound results?

You should generally receive your breast ultrasound results by the end of your appointment. Your doctor will explain whether the findings on the ultrasound appear to be noncancerous (benign), such as a cyst, or potentially cancerous (malignant). They may then schedule or perform any necessary follow-up procedures.

Breast examination services at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital

Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital provides breast examination services supported by medical professionals and diagnostic facilities to help detect various breast abnormalities. Available services include:

Breast consultation and examination by experienced breast surgical oncologists.
Breast ultrasound to help assess breast tissue, including distinguishing between solid lumps and cysts.
2D and 3D mammography as imaging examinations to detect changes or abnormalities in the breast.
Further examinations and biopsy using vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) when abnormalities requiring further evaluation are detected.
Integrated breast care for breast conditions, including breast cancer, based on the examination results and doctor’s diagnosis.

Facilities for Out-of-Town and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital

Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital provides several facilities to support patients and families traveling from other cities or countries, including:

VIP transport: Pick-up service from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or ports to the hospital using vehicles accompanied by the Patient Experience Officer (PEO) team.
Medical ambulance pick-up: A pick-up service for patients with certain medical conditions from airports, train stations, or ports using ambulances equipped with medical equipment and accompanied by healthcare professionals.
Accommodation (Sleep Hub & apartments): Accommodation options for families accompanying patients, including the Sleep Hub located on the 8th floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building and apartment options near the hospital.
International Patient Relation: Assistance for international patients, including coordination of medical needs, interpreter services, and administrative processes. For more information, International Patient Relation can be contacted at 021 5092 8888 or by email at [email protected].

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter app, which can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store. These services allow you to arrange your visit, check your queue number, and access other detailed information.

*The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general information only and does not represent the full range of medical services that may be provided by each doctor. To ensure appropriate treatment based on your health condition, you are advised to consult directly with the relevant doctor.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.