Breast diagnoises

[Ric.ror]

What is the difference between a Mamogram and Ultrasound exploration for the Breasts

[sara3]

do you want to know how the tests differ, or the results?

[Ric.ror]

I wondered why ultrasounds were not used instead of mamo,s as, I understand, they are less uncomfortable.

[Ric.ror]

Sorry just notice my terrible spelling

[sara3]

that is very true, but in my health authority they tend to do both so they must pick up on different "things".

sorry, not v technical!

but I've had both so let me know if you want to know more about the actual tests.

[sqad617]

Ultrasound is one of the tools used in breast imaging, but it does not replace annual mammography and careful clinical and self breast examination.

Many cancers are not visible on ultrasound.
In some cases, ultrasound is not able to determine whether a mass is cancerous, and a biopsy will be recommended.

Many calcifications seen on mammography cannot be seen on ultrasound. Some early breast cancers only show up as calcifications on mammography.
Many facilities do not offer ultrasound screening, and the procedure may not be covered by some insurance plans.

[Eve]

It can relate to age as well.

Younger breasts tend to be denser and ultrasound is far better to detect anything going on than a mammogram.

I had some lumps and had ultrasounds both times, they can use it to guide a needle should they need to take a sample from anything they find.

Also, if something can be felt but a mammogram is negative, an ultrasound can be performed to look for a cyst which mammograms can't pick up on so well.