What is a breast ultrasound?

A breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of your breast tissue. This test is sometimes used as a screening, along with a mammogram, to help get a closer look at a spot seen on a mammogram or to check a breast lump.

Types of breast ultrasounds:

Handheld ultrasound

A handheld breast ultrasound uses a small wand called a transducer to look at a specific breast area. This type of ultrasound is often performed as a follow-up to a mammogram or when you have breast symptoms, such as a lump, nipple changes or localized breast pain. 

Automated whole breast screening ultrasound (ABUS)

ABUS is a type of breast ultrasound that provides images of the entire breast using three sweeps from a large transducer. Select locations may offer as part of your annual screening if you have dense breast tissue or have breast symptoms that affect the whole breast.

mother and daughter smiling at each other

When is an ultrasound for the breast needed?

An ultrasound of the breast is sometimes needed to check on a spot or lump in the breast that you can feel or that your provider sees on a mammogram. In some instances, it’s also used as an additional screening tool for breast cancer.

Preparing for an ultrasound of the breast

As with any medical test, knowing what to expect with a breast ultrasound can help put your mind at ease. To help you prepare for your ultrasound, your provider will let you know the test’s purpose and answer any questions.

In general, you don’t need to do much to prepare for an ultrasound ahead of time. Before your test, checking your health insurance to understand your coverage is a good idea. But otherwise, you can follow your routine in the days leading up to your test. Most breast ultrasounds take about 15-30 minutes, so you can expect to be in and out in less than an hour.

How to prepare for a breast ultrasound

On the day of your breast ultrasound, you should take a few steps to help you prepare:

  • Eat and drink as you usually would.
  • Avoid using lotion, powder or deodorant near the breasts.
  • Wear a two-piece outfit so it’s easy to undress from the waist up.

Breast ultrasound vs mammogram

Breast ultrasounds and mammograms are imaging tests that give your doctor more information about your breast health—but there are some differences. Mammography, including 3D mammography or tomosynthesis, is an X-ray of the breast and uses a low radiation dose. Breast ultrasounds don't use any radiation. Instead, images are created using sound waves.

Mammograms are still the primary imaging test to check breast health. They are the recommended choice for routine breast cancer screening in people with an average risk of breast cancer. However, breast ultrasound is beneficial in some cases because it lets your care team get a different look at the inside of your breast.

Breast ultrasound

  • Uses sound waves to create breast images.
  • Is used for supplemental screenings or as a follow-up test
  • Helps tell if a lump is fluid-filled or solid
  • Is often used in those with dense breasts
  • Takes about 15-30 minutes to take images

Mammogram

  • Captures images using X-rays
  • Is the first choice for annual breast cancer screening
  • Shows areas of calcification in the breast
  • Uses compression of the breast
  • Takes only a few minutes to get images

Our breast imaging centers near you

When you need a breast ultrasound, we offer several locations for your care, including breast imaging centers in North and Central Texas. Find an imaging center near you.

Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At Junius
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At Junius

3900 Junius St , Dallas, TX, 75246

Directions
214.820.2430
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At North Dallas
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At North Dallas

9101 N Central Expy , Dallas, TX, 75231

Directions
214.820.2430
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Las Colinas (Macarthur & I-635)
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Las Colinas (Macarthur & I-635)

440 W Lyndon B Johnson Fwy , Irving, TX, 75063

Directions
972.990.5650
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Plano
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Plano

4716 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093

Directions
469.814.4400
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Rockwall
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Rockwall

1005 W Ralph Hall Parkway, Suite 121 , Rockwall, TX, 75032

Directions
972.520.9700
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Wylie
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Wylie

2300 Fm 544, Suite 110 , Wylie, TX, 75098

Directions
972.520.9950
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Irving
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Irving

2001 N Macarthur Blvd, Mob 1, Suite 250 , Irving, TX, 75061

Directions
972.990.4270
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center Richardson
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center Richardson

1410 E Renner Rd Ste 250 , Richardson, TX, 75082-2227

Directions
214.442.7050
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088

Directions
972.520.9000
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Grapevine
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Grapevine

1631 Lancaster Dr, Suite 130 , Grapevine, TX, 76051

Directions
817.329.2501
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Forney
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Forney

763 E Us Hwy 80, Suite 120 , Forney, TX, 75126

Directions
972.520.9500

Frequently asked questions