Mammogram for Breasts medical test
Learn about Mammogram or Breast Ultrasound for woman medical tests, including what the tests are used for, why a doctor may order a test, how a test will feel, and what the results may mean.
What is Mammogram test?
A mammogram uses a low dose of radiation to take an image of the breast. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and converts them to an image. No radiation is involved. The soundwaves are sent through a wand called a transducer. No plates are involved and the breasts are not flattened.
What the Mammogram test used for?
Mammogram or Breast Ultrasound is done to detect early breast cancer when the chance of a cure is the highest.
How is the procedure performed?
- A mammographer (an expert in taking breast x-rays) will ask you to undress to the waist and stand in front of the mammogram machine. If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell the mammographer.
- Your breasts will be placed one at a time on the x-ray machine. The breast will be pressed down firmly on the surface by a clear plate. At least two pictures of each breast will be taken, one from top to bottom and then a second from side to side to include the part of your breast that extends into your armpit.
- You will need to stay in this position while the x-ray is taken. You may find it uncomfortable but it only takes a few seconds and the compression doesn’t harm the breasts.
Mammograms are not often used in women under 40. Younger women’s breast tissue can be dense which can make the x-ray image less clear so changes can be harder to identify. However, for some women under 40, mammograms may still be needed to complete the assessment.
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to produce an image of the breast tissue.
- An ultrasound scan is painless. It’s generally done in a few minutes but can take longer.
- You’ll be asked to undress to the waist and lie on a couch with your arm above your head.
- To help gain a clear image of the breast, some gel will be spread over the area of the breast first. The person doing the scan will move a handheld scanning probe over the breast to look at the underlying breast tissue. The area under your arm (axilla) may also be scanned.
What will be the results interprets?
You may hear your results described as a letter and a number. 'M' stands for mammogram. 'U' stands for ultrasound.
| Mammography | Ultrasound | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | Normal breast tissue | U1 | Normal breast tissue |
| M2 | Benign (not cancer) | U2 | Benign (not cancer) |
| M3 | Abnormal or uncertain but probably benign | U3 | Unusual, abnormal or uncertain but probably benign |
| M4 | Suspicious and possibly cancer | U4 | Suspicious and possibly cancer |
| M5 | Cancer | U5 | Cancer |
Other related test: Breast Ultrasound, Breast Exam