Specialist Breast Imaging
Breast Ultrasound Canberra
Specialist breast ultrasound assessment for breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge and abnormal breast imaging.
What Is Breast Ultrasound?
Breast ultrasound is a safe, painless imaging technique that uses sound waves — not radiation — to produce detailed images of the breast tissue. It is one of the main tools used to assess breast symptoms and to investigate findings seen on a mammogram or MRI.
At Canberra Breast, your breast ultrasound is performed and reviewed by a specialist breast team. Your radiologist reviews the images with you on the day, explains what they mean, and communicates with your referring doctor to coordinate any follow-up you may need.
When Might I Need Breast Ultrasound?
Breast ultrasound may be recommended to investigate a symptom or to follow up another imaging test. Common reasons include:
Breast lump
Assessment of a new or changing lump you or your doctor can feel.
Breast pain
Investigation of focal or persistent breast pain.
Nipple discharge
Looking for an underlying cause of nipple discharge.
Nipple inversion
Assessment when the nipple has newly turned inward.
Abnormal mammogram
Further characterising a finding seen on screening or diagnostic mammography.
Abnormal breast MRI
Correlating and targeting an area identified on breast MRI.
If you have noticed a new breast lump, are experiencing breast pain, or have been advised to have further breast imaging, our specialist clinic can help.
What Happens During My Appointment?
- 1
Your referral is received
We receive your referral and any relevant clinical details ahead of your appointment.
- 2
Ultrasound examination
A specialist breast sonographer performs a detailed ultrasound of the area of concern.
- 3
Correlation with your symptoms and prior imaging
Your radiologist correlates the ultrasound findings with your symptoms and any previous imaging, including mammograms, ultrasounds or MRI studies performed elsewhere.
- 4
Discussion of findings
Your radiologist explains the findings with you on the day and coordinates any follow-up with your referring doctor as required.
Do I Need a Mammogram As Well?
Whether you also need a mammogram depends on your age, your symptoms and your clinical history. Ultrasound is often the first test for younger women and for assessing a specific symptom, while mammography is an important part of assessment for many women, particularly those aged 40 and over.
If a mammogram is recommended, one referral covers both. We coordinate your mammogram with our imaging partners so it is performed on the same day as your breast ultrasound with us, and your radiologist reviews and reports all of your imaging together on the day.
If your mammogram was normal but you still have breast symptoms, breast ultrasound is often the recommended next step.
Review of Your Previous Imaging
At Canberra Breast, we routinely review your previous breast imaging — mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI studies performed elsewhere — and correlate them with your ultrasound findings.
Comparing your current and prior breast imaging helps us detect subtle changes over time and avoid unnecessary repeat tests. In most cases we can access your outside images for you, so you do not need to collect or carry them to your appointment.
Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
If an area needs closer assessment, an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses real-time ultrasound to precisely sample the tissue. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthetic and can often be done during the same appointment.
Learn more about ultrasound-guided breast biopsy →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Yes — a referral from your GP, specialist or other doctor is required for a breast ultrasound. We accept referrals written on any referral form, even if it is addressed to another imaging provider. You can email your referral to referrals@canberrabreast.com or bring it to your appointment.
Can I have a breast ultrasound if my mammogram was normal?
Yes. A normal mammogram does not always rule out a problem, particularly in women with dense breast tissue or a specific symptom such as a lump or focal pain. Breast ultrasound complements mammography and can detect changes a mammogram may not show. Your radiologist will advise the most appropriate assessment for your situation.
Can you review imaging performed elsewhere?
Yes. We can review mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI studies performed at other clinics and correlate them with your ultrasound on the day. In most cases we can access your outside images directly, so you do not need to collect or carry them.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We aim to see patients promptly, particularly where there is a new or concerning symptom. You can book online at bookings.canberrabreast.com, or email your referral to referrals@canberrabreast.com and our team will arrange a suitable time.
What happens if a biopsy is required?
If your ultrasound shows an area that needs further assessment, an ultrasound-guided biopsy can often be performed during the same visit. Your radiologist will explain the procedure, answer your questions and obtain your consent before proceeding.
Book a Breast Ultrasound Appointment
Book your breast ultrasound online, or email your referral to referrals@canberrabreast.com. You can also call us on (02) 5114 4899.
Book online