A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to look at breast tissue and nearby areas. It may be used as part of a clinical breast assessment, but it does not replace mammography, examination or a specialist breast-clinic pathway when those are more appropriate.
I recommend starting with the question behind the scan request. A new lump, skin or nipple change, unexplained discharge, persistent focal pain or a previous abnormal result may need GP or specialist breast assessment before imaging is arranged.
Ultrasound can help assess selected areas of breast tissue and may be used alongside other tests. The safest route depends on your age, symptoms, examination findings and any previous imaging.
Written & reviewed by
Victoria Medical Clinical Team
GMC-registered physicians and specialist consultants
When breast ultrasound may be useful
A clinician may consider breast ultrasound when they need more information about a focused area of concern or want to characterise a finding seen on examination or another test. The result must be considered with your symptoms and clinical assessment.
| Clinical question | Possible next step |
|---|---|
| A new localised area needs assessment | Clinical breast assessment and appropriate imaging pathway |
| A previous image needs clarification | Targeted imaging selected by the reporting team |
| Symptoms persist but imaging is normal | Clinical review and a route based on the continuing symptoms |
| A concerning symptom is present | Urgent GP or breast-clinic route rather than routine scan-only booking |
Breast ultrasound and mammography answer different questions
Breast ultrasound and mammography create different types of images. A breast clinician or imaging team selects the most suitable test, or combination of tests, for the clinical question. Ultrasound should not be presented as a substitute for mammography or a breast-clinic assessment.
When to seek urgent clinical advice
Contact your GP promptly or use an urgent breast-assessment route if you find a new breast or underarm lump, skin dimpling, a persistent nipple change, bloody discharge or a breast change that is getting worse. Seek urgent medical help for severe illness or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Do not rely on a routine ultrasound booking alone when you have a new or concerning breast symptom. The right clinical route can be more important than choosing a test yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]Rebolj M et al. Addition of ultrasound to mammography in dense breast tissue: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Cancer.
- [2]Nothacker M et al. Benefits and risks of supplemental breast ultrasound in women with dense breast tissue: systematic review. BMC Cancer.
- [3]NHS. Breast cancer symptoms and when to seek assessment.