Mammogram vs Ultrasound: Which Breast Cancer Screening Test Do You Need and When?

Mammogram or breast ultrasound? Let’s know which breast cancer screening test is right for you, when to take it, and how early detection can save lives.

One of the most common cancers in women all over the world is breast cancer. When detected early, it will be easier to treat and even save lives. However, there are many screens available, and it is perplexing to decide whether to undergo a mammogram or a breast ultrasound. Being informed about the admission of how every test works, when, and with whom should assist you in the correct choice of your book of health.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used to detect the early stage of breast cancer. It is capable of detecting small tumours that are not even felt and even minute calcium spots known as calcifications; in some cases, they are signs of cancer. Mammograms do not work with younger women, those younger than 40, but they can be done earlier in life, where there is a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

What is a Breast Ultrasound?

A breast ultrasound is a breast procedure carried out to view an image of the breast tissue using sound waves. Contrary to a mammogram, it does not involve radiation and is thus safe among younger individuals and during pregnancy. Ultrasounds are particularly applicable in women with dense breast tissue whose mammograms are not that effective.

Ultrasounds may tell whether a particular mass is a solid ulcer, which is possibly cancerous (solid lump), or a fluid-filled cyst, which cannot be harmful in the majority of cases. They are painless and give a real-time image, which aids the doctor in identifying and tracking suspicious spots.

Mammogram Vs Ultrasound: Key Differences

Although these are both tests conducted to screen for breast cancer, they have different applications:

Test type: Mammogram involves the use of X-rays; ultrasound involves the use of sound.
Mammogram: This is the best procedure for usual screening of women who are 40+ and have mammograms, breasts, and ultrasound is suitable for dense masses and those who are in a younger group.
Detection: smallest tumours and calcifications are detected by mammogram, cysts and solid lumps can be detected by ultrasound.
Comfort: Mammograms can cause short-term pain; the ultrasound procedure is not always painful.
Both Mammographies and ultrasounds use a low amount of radiation and none, respectively.

At other times, physicians will suggest combining testing to see the full picture, in particular, when a mammogram finds some suspicious issue or when the patient has extremely dense breasts.

When Should You Get A Mammogram?

A Common advice among most health specialists states that women between 40 and 74 years should have a mammogram every 1-2 years. Women who have a high-risk factor history of breast cancer in their family or those who have had it have to begin screening earlier or more frequently. A regular mammogram is an important procedure that can help identify the presence of cancer when it is still small and has not spread to other body areas, thereby helping to ensure there are better chances of being treated.

When Should You Get A Breast Ultrasound?

A mammogram is not normally replaced by a breast ultrasound. It is commonly recommended:

For women with dense breasts
To monitor lumps or abnormalities on a mammogram.
Where the age of trial is below 50 years or in an expectant woman.
When the doctor desires to have a closer view of areas of concern.

Can You Do Both Tests?

Yes! Both a mammogram and an ultrasound are beneficial to many women, particularly in cases where there is an increased risk of breast cancer or the breasts are dense. The joint application of both approaches would enhance the likelihood of breast cancer being identified at an early age, making treatment easier and more successful.

The decision between a mammogram and a breast ultrasound is a decision based on age, the density of the breast and your risk factors. Mammograms are considered the gold standard in most routine screening of breast cancer, whereas the ultrasound is a tremendous choice in younger women, dense breasts, or suspicious irregularities. The best methods of keeping your breasts safe are regular screening, early detection and early medical consultation.