Breast ultrasound
Ultrasound complements palpation and mammography — especially valuable with dense glandular tissue. Here is honestly what it delivers, what it does not, and when you need it.
What ultrasound can do — and what not
Ultrasound reliably distinguishes fluid-filled cysts (almost always harmless) from solid nodules, and it sees into dense glandular tissue where mammography reaches its limits — typical in younger women. It is radiation-free and can be repeated at will.
But honestly: it does not replace mammography screening. Microcalcifications — an early sign of certain carcinomas — are reliably seen only by mammography. The two methods do not compete; they complement each other.
When insurance pays, when it is elective
- Covered: for any palpable finding, symptoms, clarification — whenever there is a medical reason
- Elective: as pure screening without findings; part of our EXTENDED and ALL-ROUND packages
- Screening programme: mammography every two years, invitations between 50 and 75, active enrolment possible from 45 — runs in parallel and independently
Whether screening ultrasound makes sense for you depends mainly on tissue density and your risk profile — we tell you concretely after the first examination, not as a blanket rule.
With family history
If there has been breast or ovarian cancer in your family, we go through your family history systematically. With elevated risk there are intensified early-detection programmes (incl. MRI) via specialised centres — we check the criteria and pave the way, rather than simply scanning more often.
Frequent questions about breast ultrasound
I felt something — does insurance pay for the ultrasound?
Yes. A palpable finding is a medical reason; clarification including ultrasound is covered. And: that is an urgent appointment, not a screening slot — contact us directly.
How often is screening ultrasound sensible?
With normal previous findings and normal risk: yearly as part of your check-up. More often adds no benefit without cause — we will tell you that too if you wanted to come more often.
Does the examination hurt?
No. Gel on the skin, transducer, a few minutes per side. No compression as with mammography, no radiation.
Ultrasound instead of mammography — possible?
As a replacement: no, because of microcalcifications. As a complement: absolutely, especially with dense tissue. Whoever only scans out of fear of mammography trades short-term comfort for a diagnostic gap.
Your question not here?Write to us — directly and securely via the online reception.
Ask your questionUnsure what makes sense for you?
We look at your tissue and your risk — and then tell you concretely what you need and what you do not.
Request a consultation Ask a question — online reception