Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive exam that uses sound waves to see the inside of the breast. Breast ultrasounds can distinguish between solid and fluid-filled lumps or cysts. The test is usually performed in conjunction with a mammogram for women with dense breasts, palpable masses or breast implants.

For women under age 30, breast ultrasound is often the first diagnostic exam used, even before a mammogram.

If a lump is found through a mammogram, doctors can sometimes use a breast ultrasound to help determine if that lump is benign or malignant without having to perform a biopsy.

What happens during the exam?

•iiiYou will be asked to remove clothes and jewelry above the waist.

•iiiGel is spread on the breast and the technologist moves a transducer back and forth across your breast.

•iiiImages will immediately be sent to the radiologist for review.

Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to see pictures of the uterus and other areas of the pelvis and lower abdomen. The exam is used for women who have abnormal uterine bleeding and to diagnose uterine polyps or fibroids. For postmenopausal women, the exam is commonly used to examine the lining of the uterus and check for cancer.

What happens during the exam?

•iiiPatients will be asked to drink 48 oz. of water one hour before the exam.

•iiiA small device called a transducer is inserted into the vagina.

•iiiImages will immediately be sent to the radiologist for review.

Abdominal Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to see organs and other structures in the abdomen. It is commonly performed to evaluate the abdominal aorta and organs including the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas. An abdominal ultrasound can also help determine if an abnormality in any of the abdominal organs is fluid-filled or solid.

What happens during the exam?

•iiiYou will be asked to remove clothes and jewelry above the waist.

•iiiGel is spread on your abdomen and the technologist moves a transducer back and forth.

•iiiImages will immediately be sent to the radiologist for review.

The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Before your abdominal ultrasound, tell your doctor if you have had a barium enema or an upper GI test within the past two days. Also, patients should not eat or drink for eight hours prior to the exam.