Like most diseases, breast cancer is easier to treat if detected early. But just this is difficult to do, because usually at this time it is difficult to identify: a woman does not feel any pain, or other unpleasant sensations. Therefore, it is very important to choose this method of diagnosis, so that it is safe for women's health and effectively recognize the presence of cancer at an early stage. Recently, such studies include mammography and ultrasound of the mammary glands .
Some women think that this is the same, and you can choose which examination to take. But they are based on different survey methods and often give different results. The difference between mammography and ultrasound is also that they are held at different ages and have both their own merits and demerits. Therefore, if you suspect your presence of a tumor, you are concerned about pain or tightness in your chest, you should definitely visit a mammalian doctor. Only he can assign the diagnostic method you need.
Features of mammography
This is one of the types of X-ray examination, conducted with the help of a mammogram. The mammary glands are irradiated twice, and the images are obtained in two projections. This allows the doctor to identify the presence of a tumor, mastopathy or cysts at an early stage. Many women are afraid of x-ray exposure, believing that it harms their health. But in fact, this harm is no more than from fluorography. And mammography is contraindicated only during pregnancy and lactation.
This method of examination is necessary for all women after 40 years. The examination should be held every two years.
Women need to know how mammography differs from ultrasound:
- it is more effective in diagnosing cysts and papillomas;
- this is the only method for studying the pathology of mammary ducts;
- gives better information about the accumulation of calcium salts;
- allows not only to diagnose changes in breast tissue, but also to determine their nature and size.
Ultrasound examination of the breast
But women up to 40 years are most often prescribed not a mammogram, but ultrasound. This is due to the fact that in her youth her tissues are very dense, and X-ray radiation can not enlighten them. Therefore, it is possible to diagnose a tumor only with the help of ultrasound. In addition, it is believed that X-ray irradiation can provoke cancer in young women. Another difference between ultrasound and mammography is that in the radial examination the patient's chest contracts strongly to reduce the area of the irradiated tissues, and ultrasound does not cause any negative sensations.
Advantages of ultrasound of the mammary glands
- Since different tissues differently reflect sound waves, ultrasonic examination can reveal the presence of tumors at the earliest stages.
- This method allows you to conduct a survey of all adjacent to the breast tissue and axillary lymph nodes. It is also more effective for women with lush breasts that do not fit into the mammogram window.
- Ultrasound - diagnosis allows you to accurately conduct a biopsy or puncture of tissues and get a needle in the tumor.
With mammography, it is impossible to achieve this accuracy. - Ultrasound, unlike x-ray irradiation, is completely safe for a woman's health and can be performed even during pregnancy.
These two types of surveys can not replace each other. On the contrary, they are complementary and often held together to clarify the diagnosis. Therefore, when a woman chooses what to do best: a breast ultrasound or a mammogram , she acts rashly. Only the doctor can determine which method is necessary in your case.