Breast ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound Examination – What Is It and How Does It Work? 

Breast ultrasound is used to assess the structure of the mammary gland, the presence of any pathological changes, and the width of the milk ducts. Breast ultrasound imaging is an imaging method that uses ultrasound waves. The technique uses the phenomenon of ultrasound beams being reflected from organs.  

Breast ultrasound is usually a supplementary examination to mammography or is used for young women whose high density of glandular tissue makes mammographic evaluation difficult. 

When Should a Breast Ultrasound Be Performed? – Indications and Recommendations 

Indications for breast ultrasound include: 

• breast pain, 
• a palpable change in the breast, 
• discharge from the nipple, 
• control examinations of previously diagnosed benign changes, 
• family history of breast cancer, 
• use of hormone replacement therapy. 

How Often Should a Breast Ultrasound Be Performed? 

It is recommended that all women undergo an annual examination and regularly perform breast self-examination. For women in high-risk groups, such as those with a family history of cancer, breast ultrasound is recommended starting at age 20. After age 40, it is recommended to combine ultrasound with mammography to get a more comprehensive picture of breast health. 

Breast Ultrasound – Key Information Before the Examination 

• Duration of the examination: 15-20 minutes. 
• Do I need to fast? NO – fasting is not required for the examination. 
• Examination hours: Breast ultrasound can be performed at any time of day. 
• On which day of the cycle is it best to perform breast ultrasound? The examination is best performed between the 1st and 10th day of the menstrual cycle, when the breast tissue is less swollen. 
• Can breast ultrasound be performed during pregnancy? Yes – the examination is completely safe and can be performed on pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. 
• Is breast ultrasound painful? No – the examination is painless and non-invasive; it may cause only slight discomfort when the probe is pressed against the skin. 
• Does the examination require special preparation? The examination does not require special preparation. 
• Do I need a referral? No – breast ultrasound can be performed privately without a referral. 

How Is a Breast Ultrasound Performed? 

The breast examination is quick, painless, and completely safe for health. It can also be performed on pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. 

The ultrasound is performed while lying on the back. The arms should be placed behind the head to expose the lymph nodes under the armpits. The doctor may ask the patient to change position to standing or lying on their side if there are difficulties obtaining a clear image. 

A special gel is applied to the skin of the breasts and surrounding areas, which helps the ultrasound waves spread. This may cause momentary discomfort due to the sensation of cold. The doctor then places the ultrasound probe on the body and moves it over the surface of the breasts and under the armpits, observing the image on the monitor. 

After the examination, the gel can be easily removed using a paper towel or tissue. 

How to Prepare for a Breast Ultrasound Examination? 

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the upper body. The breast ultrasound should be performed in the first half of the menstrual cycle, between the 1st and 10th days. If previous ultrasound or mammography examinations have been performed, it is recommended to bring the results to the appointment. 

Breast Ultrasound – Examination Results 

The result of the breast ultrasound is given to the patient as a medical description along with an image. The entire documentation is printed during the visit, and the patient receives the original result. Depending on the facility, the result may also be available online. 

For more information on how to collect results at the chosen facility, visit HERE.

Where Can You Have a Private Breast Ultrasound?

A private breast ultrasound can be performed at many facilities across Poland. The examination is available in various cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk and others. Check available locations and schedule an appointment at the nearest facility.

Breast Ultrasound – Examination Price and Availability 

The cost depends on the city and the facility performing the examination. Private breast ultrasound prices range from 160 to 295 PLN.

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