Breast ultrasounds help conduct investigations of various problems in women such as breast cancer.
Breast cancer is currently the leading type of cancer the world over and is recorded to have affected more than 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths in 2020.
These figures are projected to rise to over 3 million new cases.
We must comprehend breast ultrasound’s role and effectiveness fully. A common question is, how often does it detect cancer?
At Primary Care of Kansas, we get women’s health needs. We offer expert care. Women of any age can find full-service care at our center. Want to know more? Reach out to us.
Specifically, this blog will look at the need for breast ultrasounds and how they help in the identification of the disease.
Understanding Breast Ultrasound
What is a sonogram of the breast?
A breast sonogram also known as a breast ultrasound. It creates images of your breasts from the inside. It spots changes, like lumps.
The ultrasound shines when it comes to telling the difference between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid lump. This test is safe, doesn’t hurt, and you don’t have to worry about radiation.
What Do Colors Mean on an Ultrasound?
On an ultrasound, colors are used to provide additional information about the blood flow and tissue characteristics. Here’s a general overview of what different colors might indicate:
What do red and blue mean on ultrasound?
- Red: Typically represents blood flow towards the transducer (or probe). It suggests that blood is moving towards the area where the transducer is placed.
- Blue: Indicates blood flow away from the transducer. It shows that the blood is moving away from the probe.
- Green or Yellow: These colors might be used in some ultrasound machines to represent intermediate or varying speeds of blood flow, depending on the specific machine and settings.
- Gray: Represents tissues or structures that are not involved in blood flow. It’s used for static images of organs or other non-moving parts.
These colors are especially useful in Doppler ultrasound studies, where they help visualize the direction and speed of blood flow in vessels or around the heart.
Features of Mammograms Vs Ultrasounds
| Feature | Mammogram | Ultrasound |
| Imaging Method | Uses low-dose X-rays to create breast images. | Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images. |
| Purpose | Primarily used for breast cancer screening and detection. | Often used to evaluate breast lumps and guide biopsy procedures. |
| Radiation | Involves exposure to ionizing radiation. | No radiation is used. |
| Resolution | Provides detailed images of breast tissue, including dense tissue. | Provides detailed images of fluid-filled or solid masses, but may not show as much detail in dense tissue. |
| Screening | Effective for routine screening, especially in women over 40. | Typically used when there is a specific concern or abnormal finding. |
| Comfort | Can be uncomfortable due to breast compression. | Generally, more comfortable as there is no compression. |
Why Do I Need a Breast Ultrasound?
Your doctor could suggest a breast ultrasound for various reasons:
- There may be a region on your breast that appears odd or uncertain on a mammogram, and it needs a closer examination.
- Perhaps you or your physician can physically detect a breast lump.
- Maybe you report a particular area of breast discomfort. Or, it could be due to your dense breast tissue.
- In cases of regular cancer screenings, along with a mammogram, your doctor might suggest an ultrasound.
- If you’re under the typical age for frequent mammograms, this could be a reason as well.
Doctors often use breast ultrasounds during biopsies to ensure they’re extracting tissue from the correct area.
A pathologist can then evaluate the tissue under a microscope to confirm or exclude breast cancer.
How Long Does a Diagnostic Mammogram and Ultrasound Take?
Usually, a diagnostic mammogram takes roughly 15 to 30 minutes. The timeline might shift, depending on the image’s intricacy and if more views are needed.
A breast ultrasound also typically needs about the same time. When you combine both examinations, you might spend around 30 to 60 minutes.
But remember, these are just educated guesses. Real-time can alter things, such as the patient’s unique circumstances and the procedures of the testing center.
Does Cancer Show Up on an Ultrasound?
Yes, but it’s not always straightforward. It depends on a few things.
Firstly, the type of cancer plays a role. Some types, for example, those affecting the soft tissues or organs like the breast or liver, are more noticeable on an ultrasound.
Secondly, the size and location matter. Bigger tumors are usually easier to see. Also, if the cancer is in an easy-to-access spot, it’s typically more visible.
Third, ultrasounds can highlight different tissue densities. Tumors might look like unusual masses or bumps compared to nearby tissues.
Lastly, machine quality matters. Better ultrasound machines can create clearer images, which could make picking up on cancer easier.
Often, ultrasounds are paired with other imaging methods (like CT scans or MRIs) and diagnostic tests. This helps confirm if cancer is present and its specific traits.
What Percentage of Breast Ultrasounds Are Cancer?
Breast ultrasounds typically examine questionable regions found during a mammogram or to explore specific symptoms. They’re not known for independently detecting cancer.
In general, a range of 5% to 20% of breast ultrasounds reveal cancer, influenced by elements such as the individual’s risk level or the reason for the ultrasound.
What Steps Should You Expect During and After a Breast Ultrasound?
In a breast ultrasound:
- Preparation: Take off jewelry and clothes above the waist, then wear a gown.
- Position: Lay down on the exam table, and may be asked to elevate your arm or rest on your side.
- Process: The medical staff will put a lukewarm, clear gel onto your breast and glide a mini device (transducer) around the region for inspection.
- Post-procedure: The gel will be cleaned up, enabling you to continue your day
After the Test
No special care is needed. Just make sure you know when and how you’ll get your results.
Conclusion
Breast ultrasounds play a crucial role in monitoring breast health. This happens specifically when mammograms detect something out of the ordinary, or in case you exhibit symptoms.
They aren’t the go-to test for breast cancer, but rather, they help doctors in acquiring a more distinct image.
In general, figures say that breast ultrasounds discover cancer in a range of 5% to 20%. This is subject to your risk assessment and the reasoning behind the ultrasound’s execution.
FAQs
Is a sonogram the same as an ultrasound?
Yes, it is! Essentially, a sonogram is the picture created by an ultrasound. This process uses sound waves to see what’s happening inside the body.
Can cancer show up on ultrasound?
Yes, cancer might be observable on an ultrasound as unusual lumps or marks. Yet, typically we need more tests, like a biopsy or comprehensive imaging, to confirm the diagnosis.
Is red on ultrasound bad?
Red on an ultrasound isn’t necessarily bad, it usually indicates blood flow toward the transducer. The significance depends on the scan’s context and associated flow.
Which is better ultrasound or mammogram?
Ultrasounds are good for checking breast lumps and dense tissue, while mammograms are better for spotting early signs of breast cancer. Each works best for different situations.
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