Calcifications found in mammogram - should i get an ultrasound?

DISCUSS WITH DOCTOR: You have to discuss these findings with your doctor as some may need diagnostic mammogram, others ultrasound and still others may need biopsy it depends on the clinical exam and as to what kind of calcifications and how many.The decision is based on all these factors.

Depends : Calcifications are not seen on an ultrasound. If you have a lump, then an ultrasound is helpful. You may need a biopsy to determine if the calcifications are cancerous or not. Speak to your doctor and radiologist for guidance.

It depends: If you have a lump that can be felt, it's likely the radiologist will want an ultrasound as well as mammogram. Mammogram uses x-rays to see calcifications that might indicate a breast cancer, while ultrasound uses sound waves to see different characteristics of breast tissue such as blood flow, size and shape of a lump and whether it's solid or cystic. Ultrasound is also used to guide biopsy.

Not necessarily: For calcifications alone, ultrasound is generally not helpful. Unless there are many and fairly large, they generally won't be seen on ultrasound (or MRI for that matter). Mammography is the best imaging for calcifications. Stereotactic biopsy is usually the preferred means for sampling. Most calcifications are benign but new, clustering, pleomorphic appearance, etc may increase concern.

Calcifications: It depends. There are many causes of breast calcifications, most benign. Some cancers also cause calcifications. Based on their size, shape, and distribution, radiologists decide whether they can be ignored, need biopsy, or need follow up. Sometimes they can be identified on ultrasound, and biopsied with US guidance, but not always.