General Ultrasound
Breast Ultrasound – Bilateral
A complete examination of both breasts and both armpits. Used for a routine or screening assessment, for women with dense breast tissue, for symptoms affecting both sides, and to follow up known cysts or benign findings.
Performed and reported by accredited clinicians.
- Duration
- 25–30 minutes
- Price
- €180, report included
Published by SANFI Diagnostics
Last updated
About this scan
What is a breast ultrasound – bilateral?
A bilateral breast ultrasound systematically examines all of the tissue in both breasts, together with the lymph nodes in each armpit. It uses sound waves, involves no radiation and no compression, and can be repeated as often as is clinically useful.
Routine and screening breast ultrasound
Ultrasound is a useful addition to breast screening, particularly where breast tissue is dense, because dense tissue can hide small changes on a mammogram. It is not a replacement for mammography, which remains the standard screening test from fifty and detects early changes, such as small calcifications, that ultrasound can miss. If you are eligible for BreastCheck, please continue to attend.
Dense breasts
Breast density describes how much glandular tissue the breast contains compared with fat. It is common, especially in younger women, and is not a problem in itself, but it makes mammograms harder to read. Ultrasound sees through dense tissue well, which is why it is often recommended alongside a mammogram when density is reported.
Following up a known finding
Cysts and fibroadenomas are often monitored rather than removed. A repeat bilateral scan measures any known finding against the previous one and checks the rest of both breasts at the same time. Bring your earlier reports so the comparison is exact.
What we check
What does a breast ultrasound – bilateral check?
- All of the tissue in both breasts
- Any cysts, solid lumps or areas of distortion
- The size and features of any finding, with its blood supply
- Comparison with previous imaging, where available
- The lymph nodes in both armpits
What's included
What is included in the €180?
- The ultrasound examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A written report by a consultant radiologist covering both breasts
- The report to your GP within three working days, with your consent
- A clear recommendation on whether anything further, such as a mammogram or biopsy, is needed
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
Why might I need a breast ultrasound – bilateral?
- Routine or screening breast assessment
- Dense breast tissue
- Symptoms affecting both breasts
- Follow-up of known cysts or benign findings
What to expect
What happens during a breast ultrasound – bilateral?
Before your scan
No preparation is needed. Wear a two-piece outfit, and avoid deodorant, talc or creams on the breasts and armpits on the day. Bring any previous mammogram or breast ultrasound reports. If you still menstruate, the week after your period ends is often the most comfortable time.
During the scan
You undress from the waist up and lie on the couch with a gown or cover, one arm raised at a time. The sonographer applies warm gel and works systematically through each breast and armpit with a small high-frequency probe. It is painless. Allow about twenty-five to thirty minutes.
After your scan
No after-effects. The sonographer may tell you what they can see on the day. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and goes to your GP with your consent.
How to prepare
No preparation required. Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to undress from the waist up, and avoid deodorant, talc or creams on the breasts and armpits on the day. Bring any previous breast imaging reports if you have them.
Book your Breast Ultrasound – Bilateral
€180 including the consultant report, 25–30 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Common questions about a breast ultrasound – bilateral
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself. If you have a new lump or other symptom, please see your GP as well.
Can this replace my mammogram?
No. Ultrasound and mammography find different things and work best together. Ultrasound adds most in dense breasts and in younger women; mammography remains the standard screening test from fifty. If you are eligible for BreastCheck, please keep attending.
How often should I have a screening scan?
There is no single answer; it depends on your age, breast density, family history and any previous findings. Your GP or the reporting radiologist can advise, and the report will recommend an interval where one is appropriate.
I have breast implants. Can I still be scanned?
Yes. Ultrasound is safe with implants and can also assess the implants themselves. Please tell us when you book.
Who will perform the scan?
All of our sonographers and clinical staff are female.
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