Can Ultrasound Detect Breast Cancer? What You Need to Know

What Is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal structures. It’s safe, painless, and doesn’t involve any radiation, making it ideal for frequent monitoring or for patients who may be pregnant or at higher risk from other imaging procedures.

What Can an Ultrasound Show?

An ultrasound can reveal a wide range of details about soft tissues, including:

• Lumps or masses in organs or tissues
• Fluid-filled cysts vs. solid masses
• Blood flow using Doppler imaging
• Inflammation or infection
• Organ structure and size abnormalities

This makes ultrasound a go-to tool for evaluating organs such as the liver, kidneys, thyroid, and reproductive organs. But when it comes to the breast, it can offer even more specific benefits.

Can Ultrasound Detect Breast Cancer?

Yes, ultrasound can detect cancer, including breast cancer, particularly when used as a complementary tool to mammography. While mammograms remain the gold standard for breast cancer screening, ultrasound is often used in the following situations:

• Clarifying abnormalities found on a mammogram
• Distinguishing between cysts and solid tumors
• Evaluating dense breast tissue, which can make mammograms harder to interpret
• Guiding biopsies for tissue sampling

Ultrasound is particularly helpful for younger women and those with dense breast tissue, as it provides clearer imaging of the internal structure without radiation exposure.

Limitations of Ultrasound in Breast Cancer Detection

Although ultrasound can detect breast cancer, it isn’t typically used as a standalone screening tool. It may not pick up very small calcifications or early signs of cancer that a mammogram might catch. That’s why it’s often used in combination with other tests for a more comprehensive view.

When Should You Consider a Breast Ultrasound?

A breast ultrasound is most effective when paired with a diagnostic mammogram. Your doctor may recommend both if:

• You have a lump that can be felt during a physical exam
• Your mammogram shows an area of concern
• You have dense breast tissue
• You’re at a higher risk for breast cancer and need supplemental imaging

We typically do not encourage patients to schedule an ultrasound alone, as it is intended to be used as a follow-up diagnostic tool in conjunction with mammography to provide a clearer, more complete view of breast health.