What Is Breast Ultrasound Used For?

I had a diagnostic mammo yesterday due to calcifications which I've had for years.  Radiologist said things looked ok, but to come back in 6 months to make sure nothing had changed.  Then, he decided to also do a breast ultrasound.  After the ultrasound, he said no masses were found and that my calcifications hadn't changed all that much from my last annual mammo in 2009.

Just wondering what an ultrasound might be used for as opposed to a diagnostic mammogram?  Is one procedure better at diagnosing certain things and the other procedure better for other things?  I've always read that ultrasounds are not really used to identify calcifications, but mainly to look for cysts, solid masses, etc.

Wondering why he felt an ultrasound was necessary.  Do some masses show up on ultrasounds that aren't picked up on mammograms?

[katarina777]

All tests have their strength and weaknesses, and sometimes a combination of tests works best to get the most accurate picture.

Ultrasound is very good at seeing through dense breasts, and which is generally true for younger women under 40, but not limited to them.

Katrin

[Ma111]

Ultrasound showed my nodes. My mammogram was negative. A combination of tests is best. Take the advise of the docs, they seem to be steering you correctly.