Have you ever had a breast ultrasound? Today we share with you everything related to this study that helps to take care of breast health. Discover the important role it plays in diagnosing a possible abnormality in your breasts.

An ultrasound or breast ultrasound is a medical exam that produces an image of the inner parts of your breasts with sound waves. It is so accurate that it allows you to see areas of your breasts that are not easily seen with a mammogram.

What is breast ultrasound?

Very little is required Preparation for the study. In reality, you should only avoid using cosmetic products such as creams or lotions on the chest and armpit area. When the study begins, you will be asked to stand face up on a stretcher. To be able to see the image, you will be placed a cold gel, and then the machine will be gently passed over your breasts.

Thanks to sound waves (called ultrasound), you can instantly see the inside of your breasts. So the doctor will be able to detect If there are any anomalies and what type is it.

What is breast ultrasound used for?

Breast ultrasound is generally used to help establish a Diagnostic that allows you to determine where any abnormality in your breasts originates.

Let's think of a typical example. If you detected a Little ball on your breasts during a physical self-exploration Or a clinical examination, ultrasound could confirm where the abnormality originated. You will also obtain its detailed characteristics, size and composition, if it is solid or if it contains fluids.

If the Density of your breasts is elevated, it may not be possible to clearly observe the presence of breast anomalies through mammography. Then a doctor may suggest an ultrasound.

Many studies have shown that a complementary medical examination as ultrasound establishes a more accurate and timely picture of different breast injuries. In addition, it helps to determine if they are benign or malignant.

That's why breast ultrasound also is used as a complementary study. It offers a deeper exploration of the breasts. This can determine if there is a type of cancer that was not detected with mammography, or another type of abnormality that requires treatment.

When is it recommended to have a breast ultrasound?

Remember to follow the instructions from your doctor to find out when and how often you should have an ultrasound. Your personal history, medical history and factors considered to be at risk for breast cancer will be taken into consideration.

Or, if any of the following situations exist:

· For women who are tall Risk or chance of getting breast cancer, and they cannot undergo a study such as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

· During any quarter of the pregnancy, especially during the first one, because you are not at risk of exposure to X-rays.

· In the case of dense breasts. That is, when there is a lot of glandular connective tissue or fatty tissue, which makes it difficult to detect any abnormality through mammography.

· It is recommended if you are a young adult woman or have less than 30 years. In your case, an annual mammogram is not recommended, so an ultrasound can be incorporated into your prevention routine.

· This test is safe and functional for women with implants mammary glands.

· It is also safe to practice it in the period of Lactation maternal.

· It is also suggested if you have had one mammogram and an abnormality was detected in your breast that is not visible enough. In this case, breast ultrasound is used as a complementary medical study.

· If you have been referred to one Biopsy of the breast guided by ultrasound. An ultrasound is done so that your doctor can plan the biopsy with a clear image.

Why is it important to have a breast ultrasound?

El breast cancer It is one of the leading causes of death among women, and without a doubt, early detection is our goal. Establishing a culture of breast exploration and performing regular studies, such as ultrasound, can make a difference.

In addition, a breast ultrasound can help detect and classify any breast lesions that may not have been detected or interpreted by mammography or other methods.

Benefits and Risks of Breast Ultrasound

So far, no risks or harmful effects have been evidenced as a result of performing this procedure. In other words, in addition to being completely safe for you, their Benefits are multiple, here are some of them:

· It's a safe study that doesn't cause pain, doesn't expose you to radiation and isn't invasive.

· It allows you to obtain a clear image of your breast tissues

· Regardless of the density of your breast tissues, ultrasound allows you to observe possible anomalies.

Limitations of breast ultrasound

· For all its benefits, don't forget that this test it does not allow us to visualize all types of cancer, and a biopsy may be needed to determine if a lesion is cancerous or not.

· It cannot detect all the microcalcifications seen on a mammogram, and it does not replace the need for a mammogram when indicated by a doctor.

In short

Having a breast ultrasound can help provide a clear picture of the Possible diagnosis, as well as an ideal treatment. It can also help rule out the presence of breast cancer.

On the other hand, the Prevention is a fundamental part of any stage of your life. Building a habit of self-examination and routine visits to the doctor can make a difference in our prognosis, especially when we have a high risk of getting breast cancer.

References:

Breast ultrasound (radiologyinfo.org)

Importance of breast ultrasound (tecniscan.com)

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