Suffolk Breast Imaging
Breast Ultrasound
What is a breast ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound, or breast sonogram, is a safe, painless, and radiation-free imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. Ultrasounds are often used as a complementary tool to provide more information about areas of concern found during a mammogram, breast exam, or MRI.
At Suffolk Breast Imaging in Lake Grove, our breast-imaging radiologist and technologists use high-resolution, breast ultrasounds to deliver answers when additional imaging is needed. Whether you’ve been referred for an ultrasound due to dense breast tissue or a specific concern, our team ensures a comfortable, supportive experience every step of the way.
You may be referred for a breast ultrasound to:
- Supplement mammograms for women with dense breast tissue, which can make cancer harder to detect with mammograms alone.
- Evaluate abnormalities detected on a mammogram or during a breast exam
- Investigate breast symptoms such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge
- Differentiate between fluid-filled cysts which are usually benign, and solid masses which may require additional testing or a biopsy
- Monitor known breast conditions such as fibroadenomas, cysts or other benign breast lumps to check for any changes
- Assess breast health in women under 30, since ultrasound does not use radiation
While breast ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool, it does not replace mammography. Ultrasound excels at evaluating certain types of breast changes, but it cannot detect microcalcifications, which are often an early sign of breast cancer visible only on a mammogram.
Schedule Your Breast Ultrasound in suffolk county
Suffolk Breast Imaging proudly serves patients from all over Suffolk County and Long Island, including Lake Grove, Smithtown, Stony Brook, Centereach, Holbrook, Ronkonkoma, and more surrounding communities.
Call (631) 588-4500 to schedule your next breast ultrasound today.
Preparing for Your Breast Ultrasound
A few simple steps can make your visit smooth and stress-free
Avoid lotions, perfumes, powders on the day of your exam, as these can affect the clarity of the images
Wear a two-piece outfit, since you’ll only need to remove your top
Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and prescription
Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to check in
If this is your first visit, please bring a CD copy of any previous imaging from other facilities.
Frequently asked questions about Breast Ultrasounds
During the exam, one of our technologists will position you comfortably on an exam table, apply a clear gel, and use a handheld device called a transducer to capture detailed images of the breast tissue. The exam is painless and will last about 15-25 minutes. You can return to normal activities immediately afterward.
Coverage of breast ultrasounds is dependent on your insurance provider and plan. Please contact your insurance provider directly with questions about coverage. If you have questions about insurance verification or billing procedures, please contact our billing team at (631) 588-4500.
Don’t have insurance? Our facility offers self-pay pricing. We also participate with the NYS Cancer Services Program. Please call (631) 588-4500 for more information.
Yes, we require prescriptions for all of our services, including breast ultrasounds. The results of your ultrasound will be sent to your referring physician to support your ongoing care and next steps.
Please bring a prescription to your appointment or have it faxed to 631-588-4595.
Test results are typically available within a week following your appointment and will automatically be sent to your referring doctor.
Mammograms remain the gold standard for early breast cancer detection because they can show microcalcifications – tiny calcium deposits which can be early signs of breast cancer that are not visible on ultrasounds. However, ultrasounds can be very helpful to show abnormalities especially for women with dense breast tissue.
Our radiologist and your doctor can help you determine a personalized imaging plan that fits your needs and comfort level.
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Sometimes, our radiologists may request a breast ultrasound or diagnostic mammogram for additional views after your screening mammogram. This ultrasound will focus on targeted areas of the breast to create a clearer picture of the breast tissue, allowing for a more accurate evaluation.
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Please call our office to schedule an appointment for your additional imaging and our staff will confirm which test(s) you are recommended for.