A breast scan is a non-invasive imaging test used to evaluate abnormalities in the breast tissue. You may have to do a breast scan as an investigation of any breast related symptom or as part of routine checkup.

Here's what you can generally expect during a breast scan:

Before the Ultrasound Scan:

1. Preparation:
   • Usually, no special preparation is needed for a breast ultrasound scan.
   • Wear a two-piece outfit to easily undress from the waist up.

During the Ultrasound Scan:

1. Positioning:
   • You will be asked to lie down on your back or slightly turned to one side on an examination table with hands placed behind(above) your head.
   • The breasts and armpits will be exposed, so you will need to undress from the waist up.
2. Application of Gel:
   • The operator will apply a non-irritating water-based gel to your breasts. This gel helps to transmit sound waves and ensures good contact between the transducer and your skin.
3. Scanning:
   • The doctor will use a small handheld device called a transducer. This device emits high-frequency sound waves and captures the echoes that bounce back from the breast tissue.
   • The transducer is moved back and forth over the breast area to capture images from different angles.
   • You might feel slight pressure, but the procedure is typically painless.
4. Image Capture:
   • The sound waves create images of the breast tissue on a computer screen, which the doctor will review in real-time.
   • Important images are saved or printed during the procedure.

After the Ultrasound Scan:

• Cleanup:
  • The gel will be wiped off from your skin.
  • You can get dressed immediately after the procedure.:
• Your doctor will discuss the results with you or during a follow-up appointment or teleconsultation

What the Ultrasound Scan Can Detect:

• Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) within the breast
• Solid masses (which could be cancerous or non-cancerous)
• Changes in breast tissue structure

Advantages of Breast Ultrasound Scan:

• Affordable, non-invasive and painless.
• Effective for examining dense breast tissue in younger women and breast-feeding women.
• No exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Useful for evaluating abnormalities found in a mammogram.