What is a breast ultrasound?

Breast ultrasound is a noninvasive tool used to evaluate specific, often palpable areas of concern such as a breast lump felt by a patient or physician or an area of concern seen on a mammogram. Breast ultrasound does not replace the need for mammography. Mammogram images are still needed to evaluate the entire breast. An ultrasound examination produces images of your breast using inaudible sound waves in a frequency range far above the range of human hearing.

How do I make an appointment for a breast ultrasound?

When you need a breast ultrasound in Cedar Rapids, choose RCI. Just ask your primary care physician for a referral, or call for an appointment at 319-364-0121.

How should I prepare for my breast ultrasound?

There is no special preparation for a breast ultrasound—simply arrive at your scheduled time, and we’ll take care of the rest.

What can I expect?

Your exam will be performed by a sonographer, a technologist trained in ultrasound imaging. The technologist will ask you several questions so she can better understand your history and/or any problems you may be having.

An ultrasound is most often performed in conjunction with a diagnostic mammogram. During your ultrasound procedure, the technologist will ask you to lie down on a table and position you appropriately. She will then apply a hypoallergenic, water-soluble gel to your breast to prevent air from getting between the ultrasound source and your skin. A small probe will be passed over the surface of your breast, producing a painless sensation of light pressure on your skin. A picture of the breast tissue will be seen on the ultrasound screen.

A breast ultrasound test usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. More time may be needed if a physical breast exam is needed or if a biopsy is planned. A radiologist specialized in breast imaging will review your images and may sometimes want to obtain more ultrasound views of some areas of your breast.

After your breast ultrasound at RCI

Our diagnostic breast centers are staffed by a radiologist who is focused solely on mammography and the accurate detection of breast cancer. The radiologist will send the results of your exam to your primary care physician, who will relay the results to you.

For more information on this and other radiology procedures, visit www.radiologyinfo.org.

RCI is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).