Question 1

what's the difference between mammogram and ultrasound for breast cancer detection?

Accepted Answer

What they see.: Mammograms use x-rays to evaluate the breast.  They look for abnormal deposits of calcium that can be a sign of breast cancer.  Ultrasound is used for lumps for which the significance is uncertain.  Ultrasound can tell the difference between fluid filled cysts (that are benign) and solid masses that should be biopsied.  This is especially useful in younger women where cysts are common.

Question 2

i want to know what is the difference between mammogram and ultrasound when it comes to breast cancer detection?

Accepted Answer

"Apples and Oranges": A mammogram is an excellent (and inexpensive) screening test, meaning that it is designed to find cancers too small to detect by palpation.  In contrast, ultrasounds are diagnostic tests, meaning they are helpful to determine whether an abnormality seen on a mammogram (or exam) is worthy of a biopsy.  For example, one can only distinguish a cyst from a tumor by ultrasound.

Question 3

what is the difference between an mammogram and a ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Imaging: Different imaging studies. Mammogram is usually to see breast tissue. If there is any cyst in breast sometimes ultrasound is ordered to see if this is fluid filled cyst or solid to differentiate.

Question 4

what is the difference between a screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram, and an ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Different views.: A screening mammogram, typically, takes an x-ray of the breast from two views (a-p: anterior-posterior/front to back and cc (cranio-caudal: from top to bottom).  Diagnostic mammograms use multiple views.  Ultrasound, of course, uses a whole different technology (sound waves) focusing on the detection of solid and/or well defined structures (e.g. Cysts, etc..).

Question 5

what is the difference between a breast ultrasound and a mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Sound vs xrays: Mammograms use xrays to image the breast tissue.  Screening mmgs involve 2 views (mlo, cc) of each whole breast.  Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue.  The area visualized is dependent upon where the probe is placed on the breast and is influenced by how it is angled, how fast it is moved around and how much attention is being paid to the screen during the exam.

Question 6

what is the difference between an ultrasound of breast and a mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Sonar vs Xray: Breast ultrasound use sound waves (i.e. Sonar) and are used to determine if a lump is solid, (usually require biopsy) or a cyst (a fluid containing lesion, usually not requiring biopsy).  Mammograms also detect tumors in the breast and have the advantage of detecting tiny calcification deposits that my be due to cancer.  Both tests work together to find breast cancer.  No test replaces the other.

Question 7

what is the difference between screening mammogram and diagnostic mammogram?  why does the diagnostic one have to be done with breast ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Purpose: The purpose of a screening mammogram is to identify breast cancer in women who have no signs of disease, while the purpose of a diagnostic mammogram is to obtain more detail on a known abnormality identified on prior physical exam or imaging study. A diagnostic mammogram need not always be done with an ultrasound.

Question 8

ultrasound vs mammograms? what are the differences between an ultrasound and mammogram? i had an ultrasound done and the tech thought he found a lump, but he said he needed to investigate it more, so he wanted to schedule another ultrasound.  shouldn't i

Accepted Answer

A : A mammogram is essentially an x-ray image of the breast. Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate an image of the area being imaged. Mammography is usually the first test used to evaluate a lump in a breast. However, the breasts of women less than 30 years of age are often so dense that mammograms are difficult to evaluate and breast ultrasound is usually the first step because it offers a better view of the lump and does not expose the patient to x-ray radiation. If the radiologist is not suspicious of cancer based on the ultrasound, he may schedule you for a follow-up ultrasound in 6-12 months to confirm that the lesion is not enlarging. If you were scheduled for an immediate return appointment it may be for an ultrasound guided biopsy or possibly so that you can be imaged by a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. If you are younger than thirty the radiologist is probably trying to avoid exposing your breast tissue to radiation unnecessarily by using ultrasound instead. Otherwise, a diagnostic mammogram is usually the best next step.

Question 9

with a mammogram is it normal to have to have an ultrasound? i cannot afford it.

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Not all radiographic testing is 100% diagnostic.  Sometimes you need additional testing to see areas of the breast more clearly.  I would discuss this with your physician if they fell that the ultrasound is necessary.  If it was me, i would want everything possible to do a full evaluation.

Question 10

what good is a mammogram if ultrasounds find more abnormalities?  such as cysts, etc.

Accepted Answer

It's the main test: Mammography is the primary screening exam to look for breast abnormalities.  If something abnormal is found, some further mammographic studies (additional angles, compression views, etc) can help clarify the abnormality.  Ultrasound can complement a mammography by providing additional structural details.  But ultrasound does not necessarily find more abnormalities than a mammogram.

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Doctor answers about:

Difference between mammogram and ultrasound

A member asked:

What's the difference between mammogram and ultrasound for breast cancer detection?

A member asked:

I want to know what is the difference between mammogram and ultrasound when it comes to breast cancer detection?

A member asked:

What is the difference between an mammogram and a ultrasound?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram, and an ultrasound?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a breast ultrasound and a mammogram?

A member asked:

What is the difference between an ultrasound of breast and a mammogram?

A member asked:

What is the difference between screening mammogram and diagnostic mammogram? why does the diagnostic one have to be done with breast ultrasound?

A member asked:

Ultrasound vs mammograms? what are the differences between an ultrasound and mammogram? i had an ultrasound done and the tech thought he found a lump, but he said he needed to investigate it more, so he wanted to schedule another ultrasound. shouldn't i

A member asked:

With a mammogram is it normal to have to have an ultrasound? i cannot afford it.

A member asked:

What good is a mammogram if ultrasounds find more abnormalities? such as cysts, etc.

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