There are simply far too many variations among women for us to make a blanket statement that one is better than the other. An ultrasound is generally not used as the primary screening tool for breast cancer. However, when used in conjunction with mammography, it can complement other breast cancer screening tools. Often, an ultrasound will be ordered when an abnormality is detected on a mammogram.
A mammogram uses a low dose of radiation to take an image of the breast. The tissue is compressed between two plates in order for the best image to be taken. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and converts them to an image. No radiation is involved. The soundwaves are sent through a wand called a transducer. No plates are involved and the breasts are not flattened. The images are also different—especially if you have a 3D mammogram.
The main benefit of an ultrasound is that it is another tool we use to help detect breast cancer. Often, this will include having regular mammograms and then, if needed, supplement these with ultrasounds if you have symptoms. This is because breast ultrasounds could possibly miss some earlier forms of cancer.
Conway Medical Center provides 3D mammograms for all patients. This is not an all-inclusive list. There may be other reasons that your provider would like you to have a breast ultrasound. In general, no. In addition, ultrasounds are less accurate if you are overweight or have large breasts. If you are pregnant, you should not have a mammogram. However, it is recommended that you discuss any breast changes with your doctor.
Certain symptoms could indicate the need for an ultrasound. In some ways, preparing for a breast ultrasound is very similar to preparing for a mammogram. Just remember:. The radiologist who reviewed your mammogram will typically make a specific recommendation of what additional exams should be done. This may include additional exams such as a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, MRI or a biopsy.
There are different types of breast biopsies. They all involve removing a piece of the breast tissue in question so it can be examined thoroughly to determine if it is cancer. The different types include:. We use local anesthetic if the procedure is done in the radiology department or general anesthesia during surgery.
Most women report feeling pressure during the needle biopsy. Decades of experience combined with a compassionate staff and state-of-the-art technology equal an imaging center that is one of the best in the region.
Our technologists are state-certified and our physicians have received board-certification in radiology. In addition to mammograms and ultrasounds, our imaging services offer the following services:. Not sure if you need an ultrasound vs. We understand that you may have a lot of questions. We want you to understand that we are dedicated to answering them and providing you with the highest quality of care.
Contact us so you can feel confident in your decision. American Cancer Society. Local anesthesia will be injected into the site before any intervention is done.
While mammography is the recommended screening test for breast cancer, it does not detect all cancers. There are some cancers that cannot be seen with mammography, and dense breast tissue is one reason for this. MRI scans can be an excellent choice for detecting breast cancer, but many women do not have access to MRI scans. In addition MRI involves the injection of a dye Gadolinium. While ultrasound can be an important diagnostic tool for breast cancer, it should not be relied upon as the only tool.
Make sure you work closely with your doctor if you have any lumps or breast abnormalities, and consult your health care provider about which exams are right for you and when you should have them.
At Beaumont, we offer the full array of breast cancer screening and diagnostic tests, including ultrasound, image-guided stereotactic, Ultrasound and MRI breast biopsy, screening and diagnostic mammography, 2-D and 3-D digital mammography, MRI, and nuclear medicine scintimammography. If you have dense breast tissue, the addition of automated whole-breast ultrasound screening can improve the detection of cancer.
When you have a breast ultrasound, you should choose a facility that has expertise in performing and interpreting the results of breast ultrasound. Your treatment should fit your diagnosis and other individual factors. Getting informed about your specific diagnosis and treatment options can help you get better medical care. The more you know, the easier it is to talk with your doctors and share in decision-making.
Whatever your unique situation, a strong support system can help you deal with the journey ahead. Family and friends can offer emotional and practical support. Support groups for you and your loved ones can help you connect with people who are going through a similar experience.
Chances are good that getting screened will just reassure you that all is well with your breast health. Screening tests find breast cancer early, when the chance of survival is highest.
Breast Health Basics 10 reasons to care about breast cancer How to take charge of your breast health 5 lifestyle practices for better breast health Know your normal.
Understanding your risk Know your risk tool What do genes have to do with breast cancer? Start talking: The importance of family health history Know your risk of breast cancer.
Get Involved Stay connected with Know Your Girls and learn how to take action for breast health in your community. United we thrive: How to support breast health in your community Share your story. Health Resource Everything you should know if you need a follow-up test. Share on Twitter Facebook. What follow-up tests will they do? Here are the different types of follow-up tests: Mammography can be used as a follow-up test when something abnormal is found on a screening mammogram or CBE.
What might the tests find? Most, but not all, calcifications are benign. Some patterns of calcifications are suspicious and need more testing. Tight clusters or lines of tiny calcifications microcalcifications can be a sign of breast cancer. Calcifications may be related to older age, past injury to the breast, or an infection in the breast called mastitis.
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