Medical imaging has seen tremendous advancements over the past several decades, enabling radiologists to capture detailed visuals of the human body like never before. The image results are not only fascinating to observe, but in turn, allow doctors to diagnose and treat conditions earlier and with far greater accuracy.
Two types of imaging frequently used in women’s health are ultrasounds and digital mammography. Here, we answer some common questions about these techniques, including which you might expect to receive and why.
What Is Digital Mammography?
We hope you’ve already heard of a mammogram before (and are going for your annual screenings if over the age of 45). Essentially, mammograms are x-ray images of your breast tissue. Whereas traditional mammography produced a single, physical film, today, radiologists use digital mammography to create multiple electronic images.
Because images are captured digitally, the files can be sent electronically, which simplifies medical professionals’ ability to share images with each other — an important part of having a holistic, collaborative team concentrated on your whole health. Digital imaging also enables doctors and specialists to enhance or magnify certain areas of the image, getting a closer look at anything that may be initially concerning. This means less-frequent callbacks for re-imaging and more precise diagnoses.
What Is an Ultrasound?
Also known as sonography, ultrasound imaging produces pictures of the soft tissue inside your body using sound waves. In women’s health, ultrasounds are used to monitor a growing fetus’ health during pregnancy, to diagnose gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, and to help doctors get to the bottom of symptoms like unexplained pain or bleeding. But ultrasounds are also utilized as an important partner tool for breast imaging.
How Is Medical Imaging Used in Women’s Breast Health?
While mammography is still considered the most effective method for breast cancer screening overall, ultrasounds are often used as a complementary tool. If you have dense breast tissue, for example, your provider may recommend an ultrasound as well as a mammogram, as ultrasounds may more effectively detect abnormalities in dense tissue. Ultrasounds may also enable specialists to better tell the difference between cysts and solid masses that could be either cancerous or precancerous.
If you have a high risk of developing breast cancer but cannot receive mammography due to pregnancy, or if you have a disability that prevents you from being able to position your body for a mammogram, an ultrasound can serve as your primary screening tool, though resulting images may not be as comprehensive.
Which Is More Accurate, a Mammogram or an Ultrasound?
It depends. Ultrasounds can be more accurate in women aged 45 and younger, but as breast tissue commonly becomes less dense with age, mammography becomes increasingly accurate over your lifespan. When it comes to viewing targeted areas, ultrasounds can provide a more detailed view, but mammograms allow radiologists to look at all of your breast tissue, as well as your surrounding axillary lymph nodes. So, the question isn’t as much about accuracy, but how much of the picture each method can provide.
Should You Get an Ultrasound Before or After a Mammogram?
If you’re advised to receive a breast ultrasound, it will likely follow your mammogram. Oftentimes, ultrasounds are used to look more closely at and better diagnose abnormalities first detected during your traditional breast cancer screening.
Schedule Your Next Mammogram With Rosa Gynecology
Medical imaging can be stressful, but our on-site services can alleviate some of your worries by allowing you to receive mammograms and ultrasounds in a comfortable and familiar environment. If you’re due for a mammogram or have any women’s health concerns to discuss with your doctor, schedule an appointment by calling 770-487-9604 or by booking a visit online.
