The Medical City's Breast Ultrasound?
At our breast ultrasound hospital, we take a comprehensive approach to breast cancer. Our compassionate team of experts is dedicated to helping you overcome breast cancer with a full range of screening, diagnosis, and treatment options. Our certified radiologists are equipped with the latest technology to accurately detect and diagnose breast cancer. With our multidisciplinary team of specialists, we are fully equipped to provide comprehensive care to patients in all stages of breast cancer.
What is a Breast Ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound service is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to generate images of breast tissue. It is non-invasive and does not use any ionizing radiation, making it safe and ideal for breast cancer screening. The sound waves used during the ultrasound bounce off the breast tissue and create an image of the breast structure. This image helps identify any abnormalities that may be present, including lumps, cysts, or tumors. This technique is also used in Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsies.
Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy
Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure called an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. This procedure uses imaging technology to guide the needle directly to the tissue that needs to be tested. The whole procedure is typically done in under an hour, and patients can usually return to their regular activities right after.
Uses and Limitations of Breast Ultrasounds
Breast ultrasounds in the Philippines are primarily used for detecting breast lumps, evaluating the extent of the lump, and monitoring changes to known lumps. Breast ultrasounds can also help differentiate between cysts and solid masses. Your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound if you are below the age of 25, pregnant, or breastfeeding. They may also order a breast ultrasound to detect the cause of any nipple discharge or to evaluate breast pain. It's important to note that breast ultrasound is not a replacement for mammography but rather a supplementary image.
While breast ultrasound has its benefits, it also has some limitations. It isn't as accurate as mammography in detecting smaller lesions or calcifications, which is why mammography is still the standard screening method. Since ultrasound waves cannot penetrate through bones, they may not be used as the primary imaging modality if the breast tissue is dense, or the lesion is close to the chest wall. Breast ultrasounds are typically used alongside mammograms and other imaging modalities for accurate results.
Preparation for the Exam
Before your breast ultrasound, there are a few things to bear in mind. Avoid wearing powder, deodorant, or lotion on your upper body on the day of the exam. These cosmetics may interfere with the ultrasound wave's ability to penetrate through the skin. You should also wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed, as you may need to remove it during the test. Additionally, you should not wear jewelry around your neck and should arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
The Procedure
During the procedure, you'll lie down on an exam table and expose your breast, and the sonographer will spread a warm, water-based gel over the skin. The gel helps ensure continuous contact between the skin and the ultrasound transducer. The sonographer will then hold the transducer to the chest, which emits high-frequency sound waves that reflect off the breast tissue and create an image. The procedure should take between 20 to 30 minutes, and you may hear some light-clicking noises as the sonographer takes images.