Both are imaging tests that can be used to look forbreast cancer.
This article reviews the differences between breast ultrasounds and mammograms.
Purpose of Breast Ultrasounds vs. Mammograms
Amammogram is anX-ray of the breasts.
Verywell / JR Bee
Mammograms are the most effective breast cancer screening test.
Abreast ultrasound or sonogramis generally used for diagnostic reasons.
For example, an ultrasound is most helpful when evaluatingdense breastsora suspicious lump found on a mammogram.
A breast ultrasound is good at distinguishing abenign fluid-filled cyst from a solid mass.
Mammograms use low-dose radiation to X-ray the breasts, while ultrasounds use sound waves.
Does Mammogram Radiation Raise Breast Cancer Risk?
The combination of tests may produce fewer false positives than mammography and ultrasound alone.
Though they are good, they are expensive and usually only offered to high-risk patients.
Limitations of Mammograms and Breast Ultrasounds
Both mammograms and breast ultrasounds have limitations.
However, there are more limitations to breast ultrasounds.
Breast ultrasounds:
That said, mammograms and ultrasounds are both subject to user error.
When Are Breast Ultrasounds Needed?
Mammogram remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening.
Breast ultrasounds are typically done as a complement or additional test after a mammogram.
This is because there isn’t enough evidence to prove that the benefits outweigh the harms.
That means you might need to go back for a biopsy or other tests.
If you don’t have cancer, these tests can cause unnecessary stress.
Comparisons
Ultrasounds and mammograms each have different strengths and weaknesses.
You may need a breast ultrasound if your provider finds something unusual on your mammogram.
You will likely need yearly mammograms before the age of 40.
Ultrasound may also be recommended, depending on the density of your breast tissue.
Breast Density
Having dense breasts makes finding breast cancer more difficult and increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
Palpable Lump
There are times when an ultrasound is appropriate for breast cancer screening.
Most insurance companies won’t cover breast ultrasound as part of routine cancer screening.
Other Breast Cancer Imaging Options
Neither mammograms nor breast ultrasounds will find all breast cancers.
There are options for people who are at a high risk for breast cancer.
Mammograms remain the gold standard for screening, diagnosing, and following up after breast cancer.
However, breast ultrasounds play an essential role in identifying breast cancer as well.
If a suspicious mass is discovered on a mammogram, a breast ultrasound can help further evaluate that area.
People with dense breasts may need both mammograms and ultrasounds.
Unfortunately, neither mammograms nor ultrasounds are 100% accurate.
A biopsy, removal of a sample of tissue that is then examined in a lab, is required.
A breast ultrasound can pick up fluid-filled masses, which are not likely to be cancerous.
Breast ultrasounds can help identify lumps that can be felt but don’t show up on a mammogram.
Ultrasounds can also identify suspicious activity in dense breast tissue better than mammograms.
Avoid putting products like sunscreen, lotion, or powder on your chest the day of your ultrasound.
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