What Are the Considerations for Breast Ultrasound Examination?
The main precautions for breast ultrasound examination include wearing easy-to-put-on-and-take-off cardigans, choosing an appropriate time for the examination, performing a palpation before the ultrasound, and avoiding squeezing the breasts. Here are the details:
Women are advised to wear cardigans that are easy to put on and take off on the day of the breast ultrasound examination. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or difficult to expose the chest, as this may interfere with the normal conduct of the examination. Additionally, it is important to determine an appropriate time for the ultrasound examination.
If the purpose of the examination is to check for breast diseases such as hyperplasia, it is recommended to schedule the ultrasound examination one week after menstruation. During this stage, the breasts are less affected by hormonal stimulation such as estrogen and progesterone, and the breast tissue is relatively stable, minimizing the impact on the examination results.
Before the breast ultrasound examination, it is advisable to perform a palpation first. Let the doctor observe any visible changes in the appearance of the breasts and nipples, and assess the location and size of any lumps through palpation. This helps to better determine the condition of the breasts and facilitates the subsequent examination.
If the ultrasound examination is being performed due to symptoms such as nipple discharge, it is important to avoid squeezing the nipples to allow the discharge to flow out for three days prior to the examination. If a ductogram examination is also required, it is best to schedule it after the ultrasound examination. If a breast lump is detected after the examination, further tests such as needle biopsy, electrocardiogram, and coagulation function may be recommended under the guidance of a doctor to better understand the condition of the breasts and provide crucial information for future treatment plans.
Women can prepare themselves for the examination based on their individual conditions to avoid any interference with the results. Additionally, it is important to protect the breasts by avoiding wearing overly tight underwear, refraining from frequently squeezing the breasts, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and improving overall physical health and immunity to reduce the risk of developing breast diseases.