WHEN IS BREAST ULTRASOUND RECOMMENDED OVER OTHER SCREENING METHODS?

As far as breast health is concerned, timely detection is all. Most of us have heard of a mammogram. But breast ultrasound is another valuable instrument that doctors are employing in testing breast tissue.

Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not involve radiation. Its images are developed using sound waves. This makes it safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free.

But you may be asking yourself, in what cases is an ultrasound a more appropriate option than alternative screening options? Discover them below.

Dense breast tissue

Among the most frequent reasons a doctor suggests ultrasound is in case you have dense breasts tissue. Dense tissue is white in a mammogram, just as a possible tumor is. This makes it more difficult to detect abnormalities.

Ultrasound breast screening looks through that density and provides a clearer image. This can be a valuable complement to or follow-up to a mammogram.

Suspicious mammogram or physical exam findings

Occasionally, a mammogram or physical examination provokes some concerns that require more scrutiny. For example:

• Your physician found a lump during an examination
• Your mammogram revealed a hard-to-read area.

In such cases, ultrasound can differentiate between a fluid cyst and a solid mass. These are two things that can feel similar but have entirely different treatment choices.

Younger and pregnant women

Mammogram employs low doses of X-rays, which are not suitable for some groups of people. In younger women (below 40), the density of the breast tissue is higher. This makes their mammograms less effective.

In the case of pregnant or lactating women, doctors tend to shun the use of radiation-based tests altogether. In both instances, ultrasound is the most applicable approach. It also offers meaningful information without causing unneeded exposure.

Guiding procedures and biopsies

Ultrasound is helpful for diagnosis. In addition, doctors use it to guide medical procedures in real time. Suppose a suspicious lump needs to be biopsied. In that case, an ultrasound assists the physician in placing the needle with accuracy. It makes the process:

• Faster
• Safer
• More precise.

Tracking known conditions

Suppose you are already diagnosed with benign cysts or fibroids in the breast. In that case, your doctor might recommend regular ultrasounds to check the progress. Ultrasound is radiation-free and non-invasive. Hence, a comfortable method of monitoring these conditions without exposing you to repeated mammographies.

Keep in mind that breast ultrasound is not intended to replace mammograms completely. The method works exceptionally well at differentiating between cysts and solid masses. But it is not so effective at detecting small calcium spots (microcalcifications), which are sometimes an early warning of breast cancer. This is why doctors tend to use the two methods simultaneously to get the best results possible.

Concluding thoughts

Breast ultrasound is an effective tool, but excels in certain cases mentioned above. It might not replace a mammogram. However, in many instances, it ensures that nothing is overlooked. If you are not sure which screening method suits you, discuss it with your doctor. The health and peace of mind are worth it after all.