Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Radiation-free imaging used alongside mammography to investigate lumps, dense tissue and breast symptoms. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Gordon, Pymble & surrounds.
When Is a Breast Ultrasound Used?
Breast ultrasound is a targeted investigation. Where mammography surveys the whole breast, ultrasound examines a specific area in real time — which makes it particularly valuable for assessing a lump you can feel, or clarifying something seen on a mammogram.
Breast ultrasound is commonly used to:
- Investigate a lump felt by you or your doctor
- Clarify an area of concern identified on a mammogram
- Assess dense breast tissue, where mammography is less sensitive
- Distinguish a fluid-filled cyst from a solid lump
- Investigate breast pain, nipple discharge or skin change
- Assess breast implants and surrounding tissue
- Examine the lymph nodes in the armpit
- Guide a biopsy or the aspiration of a cyst
It is also the preferred first investigation for younger women, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, breast ultrasound is reported by specialist radiologists.
How Breast Ultrasound Works Alongside Mammography
The two investigations are complementary rather than alternatives, and are often performed at the same appointment.
How they work together:
- Mammography remains the foundation of breast screening and is the only method that reliably detects microcalcification
- Ultrasound uses no radiation and performs well in dense breast tissue
- Ultrasound can determine whether a lump is a simple cyst or a solid mass — mammography often cannot
- Ultrasound is targeted to the exact site of a symptom and can be performed in real time
- Where a patient is at high lifetime risk, breast MRI adds a further layer of sensitivity
Mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI are all available at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, so your assessment can be completed without referral elsewhere.
Preparation & What to Expect on the Day
Breast ultrasound requires no preparation and takes very little time.
How to prepare:
- No fasting and no preparation is required.
- Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to undress from the waist up. A gown is provided.
- Bring any previous mammograms, ultrasounds or breast MRI images if they were performed elsewhere.
- A female sonographer is available on request — please tell us when you book.
On the day:
- You will lie on your back with your arm raised above your head.
- Warm gel is applied and a small probe is moved over the breast and armpit.
- You will be asked to point out exactly where you feel a lump or discomfort so it can be scanned directly.
- The scan takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes and is painless.
- You are welcome to bring a support person, and a chaperone can be provided.
Your report is sent to your referring doctor within 24 to 48 hours. To book at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, call (02) 9129 6999.
Bulk Billing
Available Here
All Referrals Accepted
We Handle Your
Insurance Claims
We Accept All Workers Compensation Cases
Get in Touch
Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM