How is the ultrasound of the mammary glands

Ultrasound examination of the mammary glands is a diagnostic method that makes it possible to detect changes in the structure and vessels of the mammary glands.

Most often, two types of ultrasound are distinguished - scanning and dopplerography:

• scanning allows you to obtain data on the distance of the location of neoplasms, their shape, size and consistency
• dopplerography allows you to obtain data on the state of blood vessels, their patency, as well as to assess the speed and direction of blood flow in the breast glands.

Purpose of mammary ultrasound
Ultrasound can diagnose almost all possible pathologies of the mammary glands, even in the early stages of development:

1. Breast cancer. In a number of cases, for example, to detect areas of small cancer origin, as well as in the case of dense mammary glands, in which the volume of adipose tissue is reduced and the number of ducts is increased, ultrasound diagnostics allows to detect significantly more abnormalities than with magnetic resonance imaging or mammography . .
2. Gynecomastia (in men). Ultrasound allows you to determine what caused the increase in the mammary glands in men: due to the growth of glandular tissue (true gynecomastia) or due to increased fat deposition (false). A correct diagnosis can prevent the development of breast cancer.
3. Breast cysts and fibrocystic mastopathy. Ultrasound can determine the shape, size and location of cystic formations, as well as changes in lymph nodes. In 90% of cases, a timely and correct diagnosis can avoid recurrence of these diseases.
4. Lactostasis and mastitis. Most often, these diseases occur in women who are breastfeeding. Ultrasound makes it possible to differentiate these diseases, the first of which occurs as a result of improper work of the mammary glands, and the second is most often caused by an infection.

Indications for ultrasound of mammary glands
Ultrasound diagnosis of the mammary glands is most often prescribed after a doctor's consultation in case of suspected pathology. As a preventive examination, it is recommended to carry out ultrasound diagnostics of the breast at least once a year, which allows timely detection of benign formations and avoids the development of oncological diseases. Doctors prescribe ultrasound of the mammary glands for the following symptoms and complaints of the patient:

• an increase in lymph nodes in the armpit area;
• swelling and tightness in the mammary glands, in the armpits, in the area of the shoulders on the side of the chest;
• shriveled, retracted, swollen or compacted papillae;
• peeling of the skin in the area of the mammary glands;
• bloody or purulent discharge;
• a change in the volume, shape or structure of the breast gland;
• pain and discomfort in the area of the glands;
• the formation of depressions on the chest glands, when raising the hands up.

In addition to the listed symptoms, ultrasound diagnosis of the mammary glands is mandatory for women before or after breast augmentation, reduction and removal (full or partial) operations. Ultrasound diagnostics can be used to control the position of the needle during biopsy.

Advantages of breast ultrasound
Ultrasound diagnosis of mammary glands is performed on modern equipment, the ability of which allows:

• determine the location of even small pathological changes (less than 4-5 mm) with an accuracy of up to 96%;
• if necessary, get the results of cytology immediately during the research in 5-7 days.

Ultrasound of the mammary glands is performed by diagnosticians. Vast practical experience, accumulated over decades of work and thousands of ultrasound examinations, allows us to identify and evaluate all pathological changes directly in the diagnostic process. This is especially important given the fact that ultrasound is performed in real time.

Contraindications and limitations
Ultrasound diagnostics is currently one of the safest methods of examining the mammary glands and has no contraindications.

How is the ultrasound of the mammary glands

During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies down on a hospital couch, a special gel is applied to the chest area. The doctor, pressing the sensor on the breast area, moves it along all the quadrants of the breast gland.

Patients with pathologically enlarged breasts (gigantomastia) are examined in a standing or sitting position. During such an examination, it is necessary to keep the hands raised up. Depending on the type of ultrasound examination (scanning and/or dopplerography), it can last from 10-15 to 40-60 minutes.

Results of ultrasound of mammary glands

The diagnostician will report the results of the ultrasound examination 15-20 minutes after the diagnosis. The conclusion and all the necessary pictures are given to the patient. You may be assigned a visit to related specialists, additional tests and repeated ultrasound, as well as additional diagnostics .

If you want to get more information about paid ultrasound, call the phone number listed on the website. Our managers will professionally and comprehensively answer all your questions about this examination, and also offer you to make an appointment for an ultrasound at any time convenient for you.