Breast ultrasound

Skip Navigation

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the breast. A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast, including the area close to the chest wall.

A breast ultrasound is most often used to check a breast lump found on breast self-examination, physical examination, or on a mammogram. An ultrasound can tell if a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is solid. A lump that has no fluid or that has fluid with floating particles may need more tests.

A breast ultrasound does not cause pain. A small handheld unit called a transducer is gently passed over the breast. A computer converts the sound waves into a picture that is shown on a TV screen. The picture is called a sonogram or ultrasound scan.

Breast ultrasound does not use X-rays or other potentially harmful types of radiation.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.