Sonomammography
Sonomammography or breast ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure performed to assess the breasts and the blood flow to areas inside it. This test allows quick visualization of the breast tissue. The examination is often done along with mammography (x-ray of breast tissue) to study a mass or lump.
- A breast ultrasound or sonomammography is recommended for women.
- When a breast lump (mass) or a general lumpiness is felt in the breast.
- To determine if the abnormality detected through mammography or a palpable lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor.
- Breast tissue is too dense to be assessed accurately by mammography..
- In high risk patients with family history of breast cancer, past history of breast cancer or in females older than 35 years of age as a preventive measure to screen for breast cancer.
- Additional method to evaluate the breast, when mammography is not so clear.
How it is done?
Unlike mammography, sonomammography can be performed anytime during the menstrual cycle with no special preparation. Being a simple ultrasound procedure, it does not require much groundwork. The person to be examined lies down on examining table. Radiologist applies a gel on the breast area and with uses a special probe (linear, high frequency probe) to scan the whole chest area and armpits for any lump or mass.
Advantages
There are several plus points to this test, such as it is
- Quick & non-invasive
- Painless
- Inexpensive
- Does not require any prior preparation.
- Useful for evaluating breast masses
- Identifies if a suspicious mass is a cyst without even placing a needle into it
To live healthy & happy, one must keep a check on the body’s functioning by going for regular health checkups. This helps in assessing risk factors and diagnosing diseases at an early stage, which will result in effective treatment and better management of the condition.
