Breast Ultrasound in Colorado

Ultrasound is a radiology imaging technology that uses sound waves to characterize masses versus cysts in the breast. Sound waves are emitted from crystals in a hand-held wand called a transducer or probe. The sound waves reflected back are presented as images for interpretation by a specialized radiologist to distinguish various findings. Many of the findings we see on a breast ultrasound are too small or too deep to be felt on examination. Some clinicians will recommend whole breast ultrasound to detect small lesions in the breast before they can be felt. This may be in addition or as a substitute for mammography. 

A breast ultrasound may be performed after a screening mammogram to get a ‘closer look’ at a particular area. A breast ultrasound may also be performed to evaluate a specific breast complaint such as a lump or focal pain. The radiologist will interpret the results to determine if the finding is suspicious and needs a biopsy to conclude the final results.

It depends on the situation. If the radiologist finds a nodule or mass on the initial screening mammogram, then a breast ultrasound will be recommended to obtain a better view of the mass to help finalize the results. If there is a clearly benign finding such as a simple cysts, no follow will be required. If a potentially suspicious finding is discovered, a needle biopsy will be recommended.

Breast self-examination programs are important but alone cannot detect the smallest lesions. Of course, when your clinician finds a bump or a lump of some kind on a clinical exam, he/she will immediately refer the patient for a mammogram. Women with higher than average risk factors may seek additional supplemental imaging such as MRI for strong family history or a whole breast ultrasound for dense tissue.

For example, a well-circumscribed isoechoic oval nodule oriented parallel to the skin with a distinct lesion boundary is most likely to be a benign fibroadenoma. These mass characteristics would be categorized as BI-RADS 3: Probably Benign. On the other hand, an irregular spiculated hypoechoic mass taller than wide with posterior shadowing with surrounding echogenic halo is more likely to be malignant (cancer). This lesion would be categorized as BI-RADS 5 with the recommendation for breast biopsy.

If you are in need of an emergency breast ultrasound, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can see you at one of our many locations in the Denver area.