Breast Ultrasound in Rochester, NY
Breast ultrasound is done using a handheld unit called a transducer that is gently passed back and forth over the breast with slight pressure while a computer turns the sound waves into an image of the tissues inside the breast. This resulting image is called a sonogram or ultrasound scan. A breast ultrasound is most commonly performed when a mammogram identifies dense breast tissue.
Elizabeth Wende Breast Care provides screening ultrasounds at our breast imaging centers in Batavia, Brighton, Carthage, Geneseo, Greece, Victor, and Webster. Learn more about the importance of screening ultrasounds and call (585) 442-3922 to schedule your appointment today!
Breast ultrasound is considered diagnostic if an area of concern is identified on a mammogram, breast exam, or MRI. Ultrasound is an additional tool physicians and sonographers use to characterize breast tissue. Ultrasound can also determine if a mass is cystic (filled with fluid) or solid.
An ultrasound does not replace the need for a mammogram, but it is often used to add important information.
A breast ultrasound is considered screening if the patient and her physician have found no areas of concern. A patient may request a screening ultrasound if her breast tissue is dense (per mammogram report results). New York State passed the Breast Density Inform Act in January 2013, requiring radiologists to inform patients of their breast density with their mammogram results.
How do I make a screening ultrasound appointment?
If your last mammogram at our facility identified your tissue type as dense, we offer screening ultrasound at all our offices.
Please be aware some insurances do not cover screening ultrasounds or may apply the fee to your deductible plan.
Screening Ultrasound Appt (585) 442-3922
Why can’t I have an ultrasound of my breasts INSTEAD of a mammogram?
The mammogram remains the gold standard for detecting abnormalities in the breast, and ultrasound further characterizes the tissue. However, ultrasound cannot detect the earliest forms of breast cancer, particularly microcalcifications seen on a mammogram. Therefore, ultrasound compliments the mammogram and may provide additional information but is not a substitute for a mammogram.
