Ultrasound of Breast
Breast ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate detailed real-time images of breast tissue, with no radiation exposure or contrast dye required for the procedure. It is frequently used as a supplemental screening tool for people with dense breast tissue, as well as to evaluate breast lumps, pain, or other abnormalities detected on physical exam or screening mammogram. For oncology care teams, this test helps characterize suspicious breast lesions to guide diagnostic workup, biopsy planning, and treatment monitoring.
Breast ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free imaging test that uses sound waves to evaluate breast tissue, detect abnormalities, and support oncology diagnosis and ongoing care.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- us
- Body part
- chest · breast
- Ionizing radiation
- false
- Radiation dose
- 0
- Duration (min)
- 30
- Pregnancy safe
- true
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- true
- Claustrophobia risk
- none
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- LOINC
- 30794-2
- SNOMED
- 241457006
- Result turnaround
- 24-48h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- outpatient
- Cost tier
- low
What Is a Breast Ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless imaging procedure that uses a small handheld device called a transducer to send high-frequency sound waves into your breast tissue. These sound waves bounce off internal structures and create real-time, detailed images of your breast on a computer screen, with no exposure to ionizing radiation and no need for injected contrast dye. The test is completely safe for people of all ages, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and carries no risk of claustrophobia as it does not require you to enter a confined scanning machine.
Oncology Clinical Applications for Breast Ultrasound
Oncology care teams use breast ultrasound for a wide range of clinical purposes, including evaluating lumps, thickening, or pain felt during a physical breast exam, and further assessing abnormalities first seen on a screening mammogram, especially for people with dense breast tissue that can obscure small lesions on standard mammogram images. It is also used to guide needle biopsies of suspicious breast lesions to collect tissue samples for cancer diagnosis, to measure the size of known breast tumors during active treatment, and to check for signs of cancer recurrence in people with a prior history of breast cancer. For people who cannot tolerate or complete mammography, breast ultrasound may be used as an alternative screening tool in certain high-risk clinical scenarios.
What to Expect During Your Breast Ultrasound
No special preparation is required for a breast ultrasound, and you may eat, drink, and take your regular medications as normal on the day of your test. You will be asked to lie on an exam table and lift your arm above your head on the side being scanned, and a warm, water-based gel will be spread on your breast to help the transducer slide smoothly over your skin and transmit sound waves clearly. The technologist will move the transducer gently across your breast, taking images from different angles, and the entire test takes approximately 30 minutes with no discomfort or pain for most people.
After Your Breast Ultrasound
There are no restrictions on your activity after a breast ultrasound, and you can return to your normal daily routine immediately, as the test causes no side effects or lingering discomfort. A radiologist who specializes in breast imaging will review your ultrasound images and send a detailed report to your ordering provider, usually within a few business days. Your care team will follow up with you to discuss the results, explain what they mean for your health, and outline any next steps, such as additional testing, ongoing monitoring, or treatment if needed.
How to read the report
- Results reviewed by radiologist.
What Is This Procedure?
This ultrasound evaluates breast, specifically breast. No radiation exposure.
What Does It Show?
Detailed images of breast. Part of the oncology system.
Common Uses
This exam is commonly used to detect abnormalities, guide treatments, and monitor known conditions.
What to Expect
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
Severe pain at procedure site
urgentWorsening severe pain with fever or other symptoms. Go to urgent care or ER.
Mild symptoms after procedure
promptMild discomfort or symptoms that don't improve. Contact your doctor.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy