Ultrasound Breast Exam in Franklin Lakes, NJ

Within the medical community, mammograms are still the primary method for breast cancer  screening. But the technology has its limitations, especially with younger women whose breast tissues are denser than that of patients in their forties or fifties. This denser tissue makes it more difficult to spot signs of cancer when viewed with an x-ray .

According to researchers at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the University of Washington, Ultrasound scans may actually be a more effective screening option for women between the ages of thirty to thirty-nine.

In patients considered at a high risk for breast cancer, ultrasounds used in conjunction with mammograms may significantly improve the chances of not only identifying tumors, but properly locating them as well.

How does Ultrasound work?

Ultrasound devices emit a constant stream of high-frequency sound waves which are inaudible to the human ear. These sound waves pass harmlessly through the breast and bounce off materials such as tissue, air, and fluid. The resulting reverberations are then processed into a series of moving and static images.

The Ultrasound Procedure

Patients who have had an ultrasound performed during pregnancy will find the process for a breast scan somewhat similar.

A technician will apply a gel to the skin of the breasts before pressing a paddle-like probe against them. You may have to briefly hold your breath a few times during the test.

The entire process is usually done within ten minutes.

How does Ultrasound help?

In addition to enhancing the accuracy of the breast exam, ultrasound provides a range of other essential benefits. Here are just a few:

• Ultrasounds can determine whether a lump is a cyst or a solid mass.
• When draining cysts, an ultrasound scan ensures that your doctor inserts the syringe into the ideal location.
• If a biopsy  needs to be performed, an ultrasound will help us properly locate the tumor being analyzed.
• It's extremely effective in finding small cancers that haven't spread to lymph nodes yet.