What is a breast ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, to build a real-time picture of the tissue inside your breast. A sonographer moves a small handheld device called a transducer across your skin, and the images are reviewed by a radiologist. Because it does not use radiation, breast ultrasound is safe to repeat and is often used alongside other breast imaging, such as mammography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A valid referral from a GP or specialist is required to book a breast ultrasound at Qscan.
Your doctor may refer you for a breast ultrasound if you have a specific area of concern, such as localised pain or a lump, or if something has been seen on a screening mammogram that needs a closer look. Breast ultrasound can be particularly useful if you have dense breast tissue, which can make some areas harder to assess on a mammogram alone.
As a real-time examination, breast ultrasound can also help your radiologist assess a lump found on mammography, for example to help determine whether a common, usually benign finding such as a cyst or a fibroadenoma is present.
Yes. Breast ultrasound can be used to help assess mastitis (inflammation or infection of breast tissue, most common during breastfeeding) and to check for a related collection of fluid called an abscess. Your doctor will let you know if this applies to you and will manage any treatment required.
Breast ultrasound is one of the tools your doctor may use, often alongside mammography, to assess an area of concern in the breast. It cannot diagnose cancer on its own. If your radiologist identifies an area that needs further assessment, your doctor may recommend additional imaging or a biopsy to reach a diagnosis.
A screening mammogram is for people without symptoms, as a routine check. A diagnostic breast ultrasound is generally requested by your doctor to look more closely at a specific symptom or an area of concern, often after a mammogram, and is not a population screening test.
You do not need to fast or change your medication routine before a breast ultrasound. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to adjust from the waist up, and bring your referral, and Medicare card. Please arrive around 15 minutes before your appointment time to allow for check-in.
You'll lie down on an examination bed, usually on your back. You may be asked to change into a gown or adjust your clothing so the area can be examined. It's best to wear separate top and bottoms, as this makes changing into a gown more comfortable.
Your sonographer will apply a clear gel to your skin and move the transducer over the area being examined. Most patients find the scan comfortable, though you may feel light pressure from the transducer. Once the images are complete, a radiologist will review them, and your report will be sent to your referring doctor.
Most breast ultrasounds take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on what your doctor has asked us to look at.
The cost of your breast ultrasound depends on the item requested by your doctor and your individual circumstances. When you book your appointment, our team will let you know the expected costs.
Most images and reports will be available in the Patient Results app and portal 7-14 days after your appointment. If you need them earlier, please get in touch with your referring doctor.
We recommend arranging alternative childcare for the day of your scan or bringing another adult with you to care for your child. Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area. Our staff need to maintain full focus during your examination to ensure the best possible care.
