Ultrasonographic evaulation of breast masses

B-mode ultrasonic contact scanning should be performed in conjunction with mammography in any patient with a palpable breast mass that is 1 cm or larger in diameter. Patients with masses that appear cystic on the sonogram should undergo needle aspiration of their masses. The fluid should then be cytologically examined for confirmation of its benign nature and repeat sonograms obtained to ensure that the mass has completely disappeared. Patients with masses appearing either solid or complex ultrasonographically should undergo surgical biopsy.