Sonomammography, also known as breast ultrasound, is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the breast. Unlike X-ray mammograms, sonomammography does not use radiation, making it safer for frequent use.
Imagine you are standing near a lake on a quiet night. You throw a stone into the water, and you hear the ripple of waves coming back. That is basically how sonomammography works, but instead of water, it uses sound waves to “bounce off” the insides of your breast.
Who Needs Sonomammography?
Not everyone needs sonomammography, but it is quite helpful for certain groups of people:
- Women with dense breasts: Dense breasts have less fat and more glandular tissue. On a regular mammogram, dense breasts can look white, which makes it harder to spot any problems. Sonomammography can be seen through dense tissue more clearly.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Since sonomammography does not use radiation, it is quite safer for pregnant or nursing mothers who need breast imaging.
- Younger women: For women under 30, doctors often prefer sonomammography because younger breasts tend to be denser.
- People with implants: Sonomammography can check for problems around breast implants without damaging them.
- Those needing a closer look: If something unusual shows up on a mammogram, sonomammography can give a clearer view of that specific area.
How is Sonomammography Done?
Getting a sonomammography is quite straightforward:
- Preparation: You do not need to do anything special beforehand. Just wear comfortable clothes and avoid wearing necklaces or earrings.
- Getting ready: Helps to lie on the back on an exam table. Such technician shall all ask to lift the arms right above those head.
- Applying gel: The technician puts a clear gel on your breast. This helps the sound waves travel smoothly.
- Using the transducer: The technician gently presses a small device called a transducer against your breast.
- Moving the transducer: The technician slowly moves the transducer across your breast, taking pictures from different angles.
- Checking the images: The technician looks at the pictures on a computer screen to make sure they get everything they need.
- Finishing up: After about 30 minutes, the exam is done.
What Happens During the Exam?
Most people find sonomammography very comfortable. Here’s what you might experience:
You might feel a bit of pressure when the technician presses the transducer against your breast, but it should not hurt.
If you are having a Doppler ultrasound (which checks blood flow), you might hear strange sounds. Do not worry; these are just the sound waves bouncing off your blood vessels.
You might need to change positions a few times to get the best views.
Understanding the Results
After performing several exams, a specialist which is called a radiologist can all look at all the pictures carefully. They will thus send a report to your doctor, who will explain the results to you.
Sometimes, the radiologist might want to talk to you right after the exam if they notice anything unusual. But remember, just because they want another look does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
Are There Any Risks?
The good news is that sonomammography is very safe. It does not use radiation, so you do not have to worry about exposure to X-rays. Also, it does not involve injecting any medicine into your body.
The main thing to be aware of is that sometimes sonomammography might show things that seem concerning but are not actually problems. This is called a false positive. In these cases, you might need more tests to figure out what is going on.
Why Choose Sonomammography?
Sonomammography has several advantages:
No radiation: It is perfect for people who need frequent breast checks.
Good for dense breasts: It can spot problems that might hide on a regular mammogram.
Quick and easy: Most exams take about half an hour.
Comfortable: It does not squeeze your breasts like a mammogram does.
Versatile: It can check specific areas or do a full breast scan.
Conclusion
Sonomammography is a powerful tool for checking breast health. It is especially useful for people with dense breasts or those who need frequent monitoring. Remember, while it is a great diagnostic tool, it is not meant to replace regular mammograms entirely. Always listen to the advice of the doctor about which tests are best for you.
By combining sonomammography with other breast health checks, we can catch any potential problems early and stay healthy. So next time you hear someone mention sonomammography, you will know exactly what they are talking about!
