Breast Ultrasound in Singapore
Breast Changes, Checked and Explained
Conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East & Novena
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
What Is a Breast Ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the tissue inside the breast, commonly to investigate a lump, pain or nipple discharge, or to follow up an abnormal mammogram.
A handheld probe (transducer) sends high-frequency sound waves into the breast, so no
radiation is involved. Tissues reflect the waves differently, and the echoes form a live image
showing whether a lump is fluid-filled or solid.
At Singapore Women's Clinic, breast ultrasound scans are performed by female sonographers.
What Can a Breast Ultrasound Detect?
A breast ultrasound can identify lumps, cysts, and changes in the breast tissue, and it is usually the first-line investigation when something abnormal has been felt during a physical examination.
- Fibrocystic changes — lumpy or tender areas of breast tissue that often vary through the menstrual cycle
- Cysts — fluid-filled sacs that are usually not cancerous and often need no treatment
- Fibroadenomas — smooth, firm lumps of normal breast tissue, most common in younger women
- Enlarged lymph nodes — swollen glands in the armpit, usually a response to infection or inflammation
- Solid masses — lumps of tissue rather than fluid, including tumours, which can be measured and assessed
- Abscesses and mastitis — infected or inflamed areas, most often during breastfeeding
- Fat necrosis — a firm area of damaged fatty tissue that can form after injury or surgery to the breast
A breast ultrasound can also tell a fluid-filled cyst from a solid mass. Sound waves pass straight through fluid, so a simple cyst typically appears smooth, dark and clearly outlined, while a solid mass reflects the waves and usually appears grey and textured. This helps guide next steps, from monitoring the area to follow-up tests such as a mammogram or biopsy.
For breast cancer screening, a mammogram remains the recommended test, once a year from 40–49 and every two years from 50–74, with ultrasound added as a follow-up investigation rather than as a substitute.
Can I Do an Ultrasound If I Have a Breast Implant?
If you have implants, a breast ultrasound is typically used to check both the surrounding breast tissue and the implant itself, including the implant shell and any fluid around it. These are hard to assess on a mammogram, where the implant blocks part of the view.
Please tell us if you have implants when you book. Our sonographer will adjust the scanning technique, and the
report will note the implant so that later scans can be compared against it.
For breast cancer screening, women who have had cosmetic injection augmentation are advised to have an
MRI rather than a mammogram or ultrasound, as the injected material can obscure both.
What Happens During a Breast Ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound is performed lying down, with a handheld probe passed over the skin.
- You undress from the waist up and change into a gown. A two-piece outfit makes this easier.
- You lie on your back with the arm on the side being scanned raised above your head, which flattens the breast tissue.
- Cool, water-based gel is applied so the sound waves can pass from the probe into the skin.
- The sonographer moves the probe over the breast in overlapping passes, pressing lightly. Firmer pressure over a sore spot can feel tender.
- The armpit is usually scanned too, because the lymph nodes that drain the breast are there.
- The gel is wiped off and you can dress and leave.
How Long Does a Breast Ultrasound Take?
A breast ultrasound usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how much of the breast and armpit needs to be covered. This excludes registration, consultation and preparation, so please allow around an hour and a half for your full visit.
Your report will be ready within 72 hours and will be emailed to you. You can return to your normal activities immediately after the scan.
How Do I Prepare for a Breast Ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound needs almost no preparation, and no fasting. Eat, drink and take your usual medications as normal. A few steps can help on the day:
- Wear a two-piece outfit, so you only need to remove your top rather than undress completely.
- If you are also having a mammogram at the same visit, avoid talcum powder, deodorant, lotion and perfume on your breasts and underarms. These can appear on the mammogram images and obscure the view, though they do not affect the ultrasound.
Bring your identification, any referral letter or memo, and any previous breast scan reports or images you have, as these let the sonographer compare against your earlier results.
Cost of a Breast Ultrasound in Singapore
At Singapore Women's Clinic, we offer breast ultrasound scans and mammograms, separately or combined. Our prices are as follows:
| Test | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation (for patients without a valid referral letter) | From $49.05 |
| Teleconsultation (for reviewing of results) | $38.15 |
| Ultrasound Breast | $163.50 |
| Mammogram | $239.80 |
| Ultrasound Breast + Mammogram | $327.00 |
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Payment Options We Accept
Mammogram services are not available at our Jurong East clinic. Breast ultrasound scans are available at all our locations.
Can I Use MediSave for a Breast Ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound is MediSave claimable when it is needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition,
such as checking a breast lump, up to $600 per patient each year for outpatient scans. Scans done as part
of cancer treatment have their own MediSave limit
of $600 per patient each year.
Contact us and we can check whether your scan is claimable before your appointment.
A mammogram is MediSave claimable for women aged 40 and above.
Your own insurance plan may also cover a breast ultrasound where it was ordered to investigate a symptom rather than as a routine check, so please confirm this with your insurer directly.
Why Choose Our Breast Ultrasound Services?
Female Sonographers
Every breast ultrasound is performed by a female sonographer, for your comfort.
Quick Turnaround
Reports ready within 72 hours, emailed directly to you. If anything needs a closer look, we will follow up with you accordingly.
Same-Day Appointment
Get your ultrasound scan on the same day. Our friendly team is here to help you every step of the way.
