Where a mammography is available, an ultrasound should be a supplemental test.

Hence, an ultrasound would be the most feasible option in such countries. However, in developing countries, women might not have access to a mammogram or may not be able to afford it. Mammograms are the most common screening tool in the United States and other developed countries. Physicians will never advise replacing a mammogram with an ultrasound. Additional procedures are required for interpretation.Accuracy depends on the skill of an operator unless automated.Less accessible in many parts of the world.Less effective in women with dense breast, which contain more glandular and connective tissue than fat.Exposure to radiation and risk of cancer.Some of the disadvantages of mammogram include: Detects lesions in women with dense breast, which is not visible on a mammography.Easily accessible in developing countries.Death rates have been on the decline when used for screening.

Detects calcifications, distortions, and asymmetry in the breast.

One alternative that might be suggested for you rather than undergoing a breast ultrasound is a biopsy coupled with an examination.Advantages and disadvantages of ultrasound and mammogram Are there alternatives for a breast ultrasound? Your specialist will advise you of any specific preparations that you should make in advance of your breast ultrasound. As you will need to remove all clothes from above your waist, you might want to consider wearing clothes that are easy to remove on the day of your procedure.

There is very little preparation for a breast ultrasound. Find out more information on breast ultrasound in this article How can I prepare for a breast ultrasound? However, if you do experience anything afterwards that is giving you cause for concern, you should speak to your specialist. You should not experience any risks or complications after your breast ultrasound. Are there any risks/complications associated with a breast ultrasound? If you have any questions about what you can expect after your breast ultrasound, you should discuss them with your specialist. There is no real recovery from a breast ultrasound, as it is a very safe and simple procedure. What is the recovery for a breast ultrasound? The probe will generate images that can be examined on a screen. The radiologist carrying out the procedure will put gel on your breasts and move an ultrasound probe over them. How is a breast ultrasound performed?Ī breast ultrasound is generally performed by a radiologist and it usually only takes about 15 minutes.ĭuring the procedure, you will need to remove all clothing from above your waist and lie on a table. If you have found a lump or changes to your breasts, you should speak to your specialist and they might recommend that you undergo a breast ultrasound. When should you speak to your specialist about a breast ultrasound? You might undergo a breast ultrasound if you have noticed a lump or changes to your breasts, or if anything abnormal was discovered during a mammogram. Learn more about breast ultrasounds at King Edward VII’s Hospital Why would I need a breast ultrasound?

Breast sonogram