Breast ultrasound: benefits and the best day of the cycle
Breast ultrasound is a safe, informative and non-invasive diagnostic method based on the use of sound waves. Unlike mammography, ultrasound does not expose the body to radiation.
The main advantage of ultrasound diagnosis is its high accuracy and diagnostic value, particularly in young women with dense breast tissue. The procedure can be safely carried out on pregnant women, breastfeeding women and patients with silicone implants.
To obtain the most accurate results, it is recommended to undergo the examination during the first phase of the menstrual cycle – ideally between the 6th and 12th day from the start of menstruation. During this period, hormone levels are at their most stable, the glandular tissue is not swollen, and the doctor can detect even the slightest changes in tissue structure.
For women going through the menopause, an ultrasound scan can be carried out on any convenient day. After the age of 40, ultrasound diagnosis is often prescribed in addition to mammography to obtain a more complete and accurate picture of the condition of the breasts.
Indications for a breast ultrasound
Preventative breast examinations are very important; however, there are symptoms which, if they appear, require you to see a doctor immediately. If you notice any of the following, do not delay booking an ultrasound scan — this examination will help to quickly identify the cause of any discomfort and rule out serious conditions.
Doctors identify the following indications for urgent ultrasound: Even if you have no symptoms, preventive screening remains extremely important. Breast specialists recommend having an ultrasound scan annually to monitor the condition of your breasts. After the age of 50, an ultrasound scan is usually prescribed in addition to a mammogram and may be carried out more frequently, depending on individual risk factors.
- The appearance of any lumps in the breast tissue or underarm area.
- Pain in the breasts not related to the menstrual cycle, or persistent discomfort.
- Any discharge from the nipples occurring outside the lactation period.
- A change in breast shape, nipple retraction, or a change in skin colour.
- Enlarged lymph nodes (axillary or supraclavicular).
- Injuries or bruises to the breasts.
What a breast ultrasound reveals: diagnosed conditions
A breast ultrasound scan allows the doctor to examine the structure of breast tissue in detail. The main advantage of this method is its ability to clearly distinguish between hollow formations (fluid-filled cysts) and solid ones (tumours). A wide range of pathological changes can be identified during the diagnostic process.
The following conditions may be diagnosed during the examination: Particular attention is paid during the ultrasound scan to assessing the condition of the lymph nodes – axillary, supraclavicular and subclavian. Changes in these nodes may indicate the spread of an inflammatory or cancerous process. The timely detection of these changes is critically important for determining the course of further monitoring and treatment.
- Cysts. These are the most common lesions; an ultrasound scan allows their size, shape and structure to be assessed.
- Mastopathy. Fibrocystic changes, either diffuse or focal.
- Benign tumours. Most commonly fibroadenomas — firm, mobile nodules.
- Malignant tumours. Cancerous lesions with suspicious irregular contours and changes in blood flow.
- Inflammatory processes. Mastitis, lactostasis or abscesses in breastfeeding women.
- Consequences of trauma.
How the procedure is carried out: preparation, stages and duration
The breast ultrasound examination is as simple and comfortable as possible. The only preparation involves choosing the right day of the menstrual cycle. No special diet or other restrictions are required before the examination.
Stages of a breast ultrasound scan: The examination is carried out in a discreet setting and is completely painless. The patient feels only a light touch from the transducer. On average, the procedure takes between 10 and 20 minutes, after which the results are available immediately or within a short time.
- The patient undresses from the waist up and lies on her back on the examination couch.
- The doctor applies a special hypoallergenic gel to the skin of the breasts, which ensures close contact between the probe and the skin and improves the transmission of ultrasound waves.
- The specialist systematically scans the tissue of both breasts with the probe, as well as the lymphatic drainage areas.
- In some cases, to improve visualisation, the doctor may ask the patient to turn onto her side.
