Diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasound are medical imaging tools used when a specific breast concern arises. These methods help medical professionals investigate symptoms or unusual findings that require further evaluation. Both techniques provide detailed images of breast tissue, aiding in assessment.
Diagnostic Mammography Explained
Diagnostic mammography is an imaging procedure used to investigate a specific breast symptom or an abnormal finding detected during a routine screening mammogram. Unlike a screening mammogram, which is a general check, a diagnostic mammogram focuses on a particular area of concern.
During a diagnostic mammogram, more images are typically taken than during a screening mammogram, and these images may include specialized views. These views, such as magnification or spot compression, help radiologists closely examine the size, shape, and margins of any abnormalities. A radiologist often reviews the images in real-time while the patient is still present, allowing for immediate additional views if needed.
Breast Ultrasound Explained
Breast ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed pictures of structures inside the breast. This method does not involve X-rays or radiation. The sound waves bounce off breast tissues and are then converted into images by a computer, providing a dynamic view of the breast.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for distinguishing between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts. It is also effective in evaluating breast tissue that is dense, where mammograms can sometimes be less clear due to the overlapping tissue. Furthermore, ultrasound can guide procedures like biopsies.
Why They Are Used Together
Diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasound are frequently used in conjunction because they offer complementary information about breast tissue. Mammography excels at detecting microcalcifications and architectural distortions, which are subtle changes in tissue patterns. However, mammography may not always definitively characterize a palpable lump or differentiate between a solid mass and a fluid-filled cyst.
This is where ultrasound becomes invaluable, as it can precisely determine if a lump is solid or cystic and provide more detail about its characteristics. For instance, a mammogram might show a density, and then an ultrasound can clarify if that density is a benign cyst or a solid mass requiring further investigation. Using both imaging modalities provides a more comprehensive evaluation, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies while ensuring suspicious findings are thoroughly assessed.
The Patient Experience and Interpreting Results
Preparing for a diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound typically involves avoiding deodorants, antiperspirants, or lotions on the day of the appointment, as these can interfere with image quality. During a diagnostic mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates to spread the tissue and reduce motion, which helps create clear images.
For a breast ultrasound, a clear gel is applied to the breast, and a small handheld device called a transducer is moved gently across the skin. Both procedures are generally well-tolerated, with the ultrasound being painless and the mammogram involving temporary discomfort from compression.
A radiologist, a medical doctor specializing in interpreting medical images, analyzes the images from both the mammogram and ultrasound. The findings are often categorized using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), which standardizes the reporting of results. This classification system assigns a score from 0 to 6, indicating the likelihood of malignancy and guiding the next steps, such as routine follow-up, additional imaging, or a biopsy. Results are then communicated to the patient, often by the referring physician, along with any necessary recommendations for further care.