Although a mammogram remains the most common and effective screening device for detecting early stage breast cancer, there are occasions where it may not reveal a breast lump or other abnormality. There are also times when a mammogram may not provide enough detailed information about a breast abnormality. In these cases, your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound.
An ultrasound of the breast uses high-frequency sound waves to create a detailed computer image of the breast tissue. From this, your doctor can distinguish between cysts and solid masses to determine the size, shape, texture and density of a breast lump.