Breast Ultrasound Screening in Singapore

What Is a Breast Ultrasound?

A breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves, also known as sonography, to create images of the internal structures of the breast. Unlike mammograms, breast ultrasound does not use radiation. Instead, it produces real-time moving images that allow breast tissue to be assessed dynamically during the examination.

Breast ultrasound is commonly used as a secondary imaging test alongside mammograms rather than a replacement for routine mammogram screening. It is often recommended when a mammogram identifies an area requiring closer evaluation or when patients have denser breast tissue that may make mammogram interpretation more challenging.

Breast Ultrasound vs Mammogram: What’s the Difference?

Although both breast ultrasound and mammogram are used to assess breast health and detect abnormalities, they work differently and are suited for different purposes.

Benefits of Ultrasound for Dense Breast Tissue

Dense breast tissue refers to breasts that contain a higher proportion of glandular and fibrous tissue compared to fatty tissue. This is a common finding among Asian women and is not considered abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make breast cancer screening more challenging, particularly on mammograms.

On a mammogram, dense breast tissue appears white on the X-ray image. Breast tumours and other suspicious abnormalities can also appear white, making it harder to distinguish abnormal areas from the surrounding dense tissue. As a result, smaller abnormalities may sometimes be less visible on mammogram images alone.

Breast ultrasound helps address this limitation by using sound waves instead of X-rays to assess breast tissue differently. Unlike mammograms, ultrasound is able to better differentiate dense breast tissue from solid masses or fluid-filled cysts, allowing certain abnormalities to be seen more clearly during evaluation.

Who Should Consider a Breast Ultrasound?

You may be advised to undergo a breast ultrasound if you:

• Have breast symptoms such as lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge or skin changes requiring further evaluation
• Have been diagnosed with denser breast tissue that may make mammogram interpretation more difficult
• Require additional imaging after an abnormal or inconclusive mammogram finding
• Have a family history or other risk factors associated with increased breast cancer risk
• Require closer evaluation of a breast cyst, lump or other localised breast abnormality

Is a Breast Ultrasound Painful?

Breast ultrasound is generally considered a comfortable, painless and non-invasive imaging procedure. Unlike mammograms, breast ultrasound does not involve breast compression or painful squeezing of the breast tissue during the examination.

During the procedure, patients may feel light pressure as the handheld ultrasound probe is moved gently across the skin. A conductive gel is also applied to help the ultrasound waves travel clearly through the breast tissue. The procedure is stress-free for the body and does not involve radiation exposure. Most patients are able to remain relaxed throughout the examination and return to their usual daily activities immediately afterwards.

How to Prepare for a Breast Ultrasound

Preparing for a breast ultrasound  is generally straightforward, with no fasting or preliminary medication required. Following these few simple steps can help improve image quality and make the screening process more comfortable.

• Avoid deodorant, lotions or powders: Products applied around the breast or underarm area may leave residue on the skin that can affect probe contact and imaging quality during the ultrasound examination.
• Wear a two-piece outfit: A separate top and bottom makes it easier to change for the ultrasound, as only clothing from the upper body needs to be removed.
• Remove jewellery around the chest and neck area: Necklaces and chest-area accessories should be removed before the scan to prevent obstruction during imaging.
• Bring previous breast imaging results: Previous mammograms, breast ultrasounds or other breast imaging reports may help the specialist compare past and current findings more accurately.

Our Breast Ultrasound Screening Process

Breast ultrasound screening is performed in a comfortable outpatient setting and is designed to provide detailed real-time imaging of the breast tissue. The procedure is non-invasive and does not involve radiation exposure.

Step 1: Registration and Preparation for Ultrasound

Upon arrival, patients will be guided through registration and preparation before the breast ultrasound begins. Relevant breast symptoms, previous breast imaging history and areas of concern may be reviewed to help guide the examination. Patients will then be positioned comfortably while the breast area is prepared for imaging with the application of a warm conductive gel to support clear ultrasound imaging.

Step 2: Ultrasound Examination

A handheld device known as a transducer is moved gently across the breast and surrounding areas during the examination. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that create live images of the internal breast tissue on a monitor. In many cases, patients are able to view these images during the scan while the breast tissue is being assessed in real time.

Step 3: Completion of the Screening

The breast ultrasound is usually completed within a short period of time, with most examinations taking approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the areas being assessed. Once the scan is completed, patients are generally able to resume their normal daily activities immediately afterwards.

Next Steps After Your Screening

After your breast ultrasound, the findings will be reviewed carefully to determine whether any further assessment or follow-up is required. In some cases, the ultrasound may confirm that a breast lump or abnormality is benign, while other findings may require additional imaging or investigation for greater clarity.

Where treatment is required, patients will also be guided through the appropriate breast care and breast cancer treatment options available at the clinic.

At Maven Surgery, your breast ultrasound results and next steps will be discussed clearly with Dr Chong Chee Keong, who provides personalised guidance based on your symptoms, imaging findings and individual breast health concerns. Patients are supported throughout the evaluation process to help them better understand their results and available care options.

Supporting Early Breast Evaluation with Ultrasound Imaging

When used alongside mammograms and clinical breast assessment, ultrasound imaging is able to support more detailed evaluation and fulfil certain requirements that other forms of screening cannot accomplish. This helps guide earlier investigation of potential abnormalities and allows for treatment to be pursued earlier.

At Maven Surgery, our breast care clinic in Singapore, breast ultrasound assessment and breast care are led by Dr Chong Chee Keong, a breast, colorectal and general surgeon experienced in the evaluation and management of breast conditions. Dr Chong adopts a careful and personalised approach to breast assessment, focusing on accurate imaging evaluation, clear patient communication and timely investigation of suspicious findings to support early detection and informed decision-making.

If you have noticed breast changes, require follow-up imaging or would like further assessment of your breast health concerns, book an appointment with us to discuss whether a breast ultrasound may be appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Ultrasound Screening

Fast screening appointment

Comprehensive review

Affordablepricing

Our Breast Ultrasound Specialist in Singapore

Dr Chong Chee Keong

Breast, Colorectal and General Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Singapore)

Specialist Accreditation in Intensive Care Medicine

Specialists Accreditation Board

Dr Chong Chee Keong is experienced in the assessment and management of breast conditions requiring ultrasound evaluation, including breast lumps, breast pain and suspicious imaging findings. He regularly utilises breast ultrasound as part of a broader approach to breast screening and diagnostic assessment, particularly for patients with dense breast tissue or abnormalities requiring closer evaluation.

Dr Chong adopts a careful and methodical approach to breast imaging assessment, focusing on accurate evaluation, clear communication and timely investigation of findings. He works closely with oncologists to ensure that each patient receives coordinated care that supports recovery, confidence, and overall well-being.