What type of waves does ultrasonography utilize to image the breast?

Ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the breast. These sound waves typically range from 2 to 18 megahertz (MHz), allowing for detailed visualization of breast tissue, including structures such as cysts and solid tumors. The high frequency of the sound waves results in better resolution and image clarity, which is particularly important for distinguishing between different types of breast lesions. High-frequency sound waves do not penetrate tissue deeply but provide excellent detail for superficial tissues, making them ideal for breast imaging. This characteristic is fundamental in differentiating between various abnormalities in breast tissue during an ultrasound examination.