MAMMOGRAPHY IS the basic screening investigation for a woman who develops breast cancer symptoms. Essentially an X-ray of the breast, the process ends with the production of a hard copy of the test in the form of a traditional X-ray film.
An ultrasound of the breast, however, involves a more dynamic process carried out by a consultant radiologist using a jelly-covered probe. The ultrasound probe is placed on the skin overlying the breast and moved slowly over it.
Real-time images are displayed on a computer monitor and the radiologist may decide to "capture" a number of images of the breast.
Typically, the radiologist writes a one- or two-paragraph report on the ultrasound findings; this is filed in the patient's chart and a copy is sent to the referring doctor. Unlike mammography, however, breast ultrasound does not result in hard-copy films that can be stored and later retrieved.
Because ultrasound images are unique to the operator, they do not lend themselves to formal review in the way mammograms can be re-read.
Breast ultrasound is seen as complementary to mammography. It is more commonly used with younger women. In the case of a woman with a palpable breast lump, it offers greater diagnostic accuracy.
An ultrasound can tell whether the lump is full of fluid (a cyst) or if it is solid. When a breast biopsy is needed, ultrasound facilitates the accurate placing of a needle in the lump, thus ensuring that the specimen sent to the pathologist is actually from the precise area of the breast that is causing clinical concern.