Early detection is the most important factor in breast health management, and therefore it does concern every woman. One of the primary diagnostic tools used for the evaluation of breast health is called sonomammography or breast ultrasound. However, many myths go on with this procedure. Today, let’s break all those common misconceptions about sonomammography and provide facts every woman should know in order to make herself an informed decision about her breast cancer screening.
What is Sonomammography?
Sonomammography is a noninvasive form of imaging producing detailed pictures of the breast tissue based on sound waves. As mammography uses X-rays, breast ultrasound does not and is, therefore, a very safe alternative for women, especially those with denser breast tissue. In most cases, it forms part of the diagnostic imaging and can be combined with others, such as mammograms or MRI scans, to establish the condition of a lump, cysts, or any unusual lumps in the breast.
At Insight Imaging & Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic in PCMC, Pune, Dr. Snehal Suryawanshi offers perfect sonomammography services for all the women out there, who deserve well-timed and accurate diagnoses. But before scheduling the screening, let’s debunk some myths associated with this procedure.
Myth 1: Sonomammography is Only for Women with Dense Breasts
One of the biggest myths of sonomammography is that it only applies to women with dense breast tissue. However, as true as this is that dense breasts make mammogram results harder to interpret, sonomammography isn’t limited to such cases.
Fact: Sonomammography is helpful for women with all types of tissue in the breast. Whether your breasts are denser or more fatty, the breast ultrasound will always give clearer images of abnormalities, helping to make accurate assessment by radiologists. It’s a great complementary tool to ensure that breast cancer screening is as effective as possible.
Myth 2: Sonomammography Can Replace Mammography
Many believe that sonomammography can replace mammograms since it is often followed as a sequel to the obscure results from the mammograms.
Fact: Sonomammography is not alternative mammography, but an adjunct radiological tool. Although mammograms have been considered the gold standard in the detection of malignant breast tissue and areas of calcium deposits, sonomammography is useful for the assessment of tissue in greater detail, particularly in women with denser breast tissue or when a characteristic of a lump needs to be assessed. Taken together, these methods offer a more complete picture of your breast health.
Myth 3: Sonomammography hurts
Another common misconception is that sonomammography will be uncomfortable or, indeed, painful, as some expect that it will have the sensation of pushing during mammography.
Fact: Breast ultrasound is usually painless and a very benign procedure. Unlike mammograms where the breasts are pressed on to get clear images, in sonomammography, a small device called transducer gently moves over your breast. A gel is applied for smooth movement with the device. Most women suffer little or no discomfort hence suitable for those who fear pain during the time of doing a breast cancer screening.
Myth 4: Sonomammography Can Diagnose Breast Cancer
A common myth is that sonomammography can indeed diagnose breast cancer.
Fact: While sonomammography is very useful in spotting signs of abnormalities such as cysts and masses, it cannot make a definitive diagnosis of breast cancer. It is, however often used along with other methods or tests to form a better impression on the problem. In case of suspicion, other tests such as a biopsy may be necessary to come to a diagnosis. Ultrasound is used to evaluate the breast for abnormalities but it is part of the whole process of diagnosis.
Myth 5: Sonomammography only works on older women
This widely held assumption declares that sonomammography is best suited for women past a certain age or those who already have some symptoms.
Fact: Breast health matters at every age. This is a useful tool for women of all ages, from their 20s to 60s. Younger women often have very dense breast tissue that makes mammograms difficult to read. For this group of women, sonomammography will offer a clearer look inside their breast tissue. Women who are older may use it to follow changes in the breast tissue over time or follow up on results from previous mammograms.
Myth 6: Sonomammography is Not Reliable
There is skepticism that sonomammography is not reliable compared to other imaging techniques, such as mammography or MRI.
Fact: Sonomammography is highly reliable and provides excellent image quality, particularly for some conditions such as cysts or solid masses that cannot be well evaluated alone by a mammogram. It is a useful adjunct to breast cancer screening procedures, providing a clearer, radiation-free image. When done by highly experienced radiologists like Dr. Snehal Suryawanshi, breast ultrasound ensures true and accurate results.
Myth 7: Sonomammography Not Necessary for Asymptomatic Women
Some women assume they do not need sonomammography if they have no signs or symptoms, lumps, or pain.
Fact: If you don’t notice any signs, you should have regular breast health check-ups. Sonomammography can detect alterations you might not even be aware of so that everything is caught before it’s too late. Routine screening keeps women proactive about their breast cancer screening and maintains optimal breast health.
Summary
Sonomammography offers radiation-free imaging in the management of breast health, supplementing other modes of medical evaluation. Breaking some of these myths may enable women to better understand the role of breast ultrasound in their cancer screening journey. Indeed, if common misconceptions are eliminated, women can choose what they really need for health and proper care when the time is needed.
Breast care by the expert sonomammographer Dr. Snehal Suryawanshi will be available here at Insight Imaging & Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic in PCMC, Pune for any of the concerns regarding the health of the breasts. For 12 long years, Dr. Suryawanshi has maintained the accuracy and compassionate care throughout the process of breast cancer screening with all her patients.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for sonomammography, visit Insight Imaging & Bone, Joint & Spine Clinic in PCMC, Pune. Help take control over your health today!
