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Difference Between a Mammogram and an Ultrasound
Medical imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. Two common imaging tests used for breast cancer screening are mammograms and ultrasounds. While both tests are used to detect abnormalities in the breast, they differ in terms of their purpose, methodology, and accuracy. This essay aims to explain the difference between mammograms and ultrasounds, and their respective strengths and limitations.
What is Mammogram?
A mammogram is a specific type of x-ray picture that uses low dose x-rays on the breast. Mammograms are generally used to identify early signs of breast cancer, and are among the most successful methods in detecting early signs of breast cancer, often exploiting tumours that cannot be felt.
When an individual receives a mammogram, they are required to stand in front of the x-ray machine, and their breast is placed on a clear plate, while another plate firmly presses the breast from above. Both plates will flatten the breast in order to hold it still, while the x-ray is taken. These steps are then repeated to obtain a side view of the breast.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds, also referred to as sonograms, use high frequency sound waves to create an imagine of parts inside the body, such as kidneys, stomach, liver, heart, joints, or tendons. Ultrasounds use soundwaves instead of radiation, making them safer and more commonly used. Ultrasounds are also regularly used to check unborn foetus’ in the womb.
Although ultrasound travels through soft tissue and fluid, sound waves bounce back when dense surfaces are detected. This is how ultrasounds are able to detect problems. For example, if an individual had healthy kidneys, the ultrasound would travel straight through. However, if an individual has kidney stones, ultrasounds will bounce back from them. That is, the denser the object is that an ultrasound hits, the more of it will bounce back.
Ultrasounds are commonly used in modern medicine, and are used for both diagnosis and treatment purposes.
Differences: a Mammogram and an Ultrasound
One of the key differences between mammograms and ultrasounds is the methodology used to create images. Mammograms use X-rays, while ultrasounds use sound waves. Mammograms are more accurate at detecting microcalcifications, while ultrasound is better at distinguishing between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass. Mammograms are typically used as a screening tool, while ultrasounds are used as a diagnostic tool to investigate abnormalities found during a mammogram or physical exam.
Another difference between mammograms and ultrasounds is the preparation required for each test. Mammograms require no special preparation, while ultrasound may require the patient to wear a gown and refrain from using deodorant or lotion on the breast area. Mammograms are also typically more uncomfortable than ultrasounds because the breast is compressed between two plates to produce the X-ray images.
In terms of accuracy, mammograms are generally more accurate than ultrasounds. However, mammograms can produce false positives, which can lead to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety. False positives occur when a mammogram identifies an abnormality that is not cancerous. Ultrasounds, on the other hand, are less likely to produce false positives but may miss small cancers that cannot be detected by physical exam or mammography.
The following table highlights the major differences between Mammogram and Ultrasound −
Characteristics |
Mammogram |
Ultrasound |
|---|---|---|
Purpose |
Screening and diagnosing breast abnormalities |
Evaluating breast abnormalities and guiding procedures |
Imaging Technique |
X-ray imaging |
Sound waves |
Image Produced |
2D or 3D images of breast tissue |
Real-time images of breast tissue |
Breast Compression |
Compression of breasts between two plates |
No compression required |
Radiation Exposure |
Involves low-dose radiation |
No radiation exposure |
Conclusion
In conclusion, mammograms and ultrasounds are two different imaging tests used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Mammograms use low-dose radiation to produce detailed X-ray images of the breast, while ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the breast tissues.
Mammograms are typically used as a screening tool to detect early signs of breast cancer, while ultrasounds are used as a diagnostic tool to investigate abnormalities found during a mammogram or physical exam. Mammograms are generally more accurate but can produce false.
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