Breast cancer is a growing concern worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million women diagnosed in 2018 alone according to the World Health Organization.

Early detection is key in ensuring successful treatment and preventing the spread of the disease, which is why there are several methods used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Two of the most commonly used techniques are ultrasound and mammography, with many clinics using them together to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Here we explore how ultrasound and mammography work, and how they are used in combination to diagnose breast cancer.

How Mammography Works

Mammography is an x-ray imaging technique used to examine the breast tissue. During the procedure, the breast is compressed between two plates and x-ray images are taken from different angles.

These images can show any abnormal changes in the breast tissue, such as lumps or calcifications. However, mammography has its limitations, as it can miss small tumors and is less accurate in detecting cancer in women with dense breast tissue.

How Ultrasound Works

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. During an ultrasound exam, a technician applies a special gel to the breast and uses a handheld probe to study the tissue.

The sound waves bounce off the breast tissue and create a visual representation of the tissue structure. While mammography is great for detecting calcifications and other changes in the breast, ultrasound can show more detail about the inside of the breast tissue, which is why the two procedures are often used together.

Ultrasound and Mammography Used Together

While mammography and ultrasound can be used independently to diagnose breast cancer, using them together can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Ultrasound can help detect smaller tumors that mammography may have missed, and can also show whether a lump is fluid-filled (cystic) or solid. A mammogram may show changes in the breast tissue that could be cancerous, but a follow-up ultrasound may show that the changes are benign.

By using the two techniques together, doctors can more effectively diagnose breast cancer and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Other Combined Techniques

In addition to using mammography and ultrasound together, there are other techniques that can be used for breast cancer diagnosis. Some clinics also use breast MRI, which is an MRI scan specifically designed to show breast tissue.

MRI can be helpful in detecting tumors that aren’t visible on mammography or ultrasound, and can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for breast cancer. Another technique is breast tomosynthesis, which is an advanced type of mammography that creates a 3D image of the breast tissue.

By capturing multiple images from different angles, radiologists can more easily identify small tumors or abnormalities in the breast tissue.

The Benefits and Risks of Combined Techniques

The primary benefit of using mammography and ultrasound together is the increased accuracy of diagnosis for breast cancer. By using the two techniques together, doctors can detect smaller tumors and closely evaluate changes in the breast tissue.

However, there are some risks associated with these procedures. For mammography, the radiation exposure may be harmful, especially for women who have to undergo multiple exams. Ultrasound is generally considered safe, but there is always a risk of false positives or false negatives.

It’s important to speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of each screening method, and to develop a personalized screening plan based on your individual medical history and risk factors.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a worldwide concern, and early detection is key to successful treatment. Mammography and ultrasound are two of the most commonly used techniques for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

While each procedure has its limitations, using them together can increase the accuracy of diagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment options are recommended. It’s important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized screening plan based on your individual medical history and risk factors.