Breast Ultrasound

"Ultrasound images help healthcare providers distinguish between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts." —Sherril Allen, manager, Kearney Breast Center and the Breast & Cervical Health Program at Southwest

If a mammogram identifies an unusual lump or abnormal tissue, Southwest's radiologists may want to take a closer look. The two ultrasound rooms in the Kearney Breast Center are specially designed for diagnostics and biopsy procedures.

With a breast ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves create a computer image of the inside of the breast. Unlike an x-ray image (such as with a mammogram), ultrasound images are moving. They can be seen in real time and captured as still images. 

Before the procedure begins, warm gel is applied to your skin. Next, the transducer (a dvice that sends an receives ultrasound signals) is moved over the area until the desired images are captured. The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a nearby monitor. Ultrasound images help healthcare providers distinguish between sold tumors and fluid-filled cysts.

The radiologist will review the images and send a report to your primary care provider. The radiologist may also discuss the results with you as soon as the ultrasound examination is finished.

Contact Us

Kearney Breast Center
200 NE Mother Joseph Place, Suite 420
Vancouver, WA 98665

360.514.6161 (Breast Center main number)
360.514.6164 (Nurse Navigator)
360.891.2642 (Radiologists)
360.213.9955 or 503.808.9803 (Southwest Medical Group Surgical Specialists)
360.989.3494 (Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery)