mammograms vs untrasound

[frankenfoot]

I have read about the ills of exposure to xray...and wonder why we need mammograms when we already have a much gentler more accurate method for screening the breasts.  Here in California, when an mamogram comes back with suspect images...then the doctors order an untrasound...in order to have a more careful look.  Why not just begin with the ultrasound in the first place?  An ultrasound gives a gentle and immediate feedback and I find this far more endurable than the radioactive torture chamber with the metal plates!

Why must we go through this needless pain?  I am gearing up for one of the dreaded physicals and mustering up my stubbornness to say NO  I will not have you expose me to your toxic torture toys!  I order 1 ultrasound, ...hold the mammo, Doc!


This discussion is related to Still having pain after mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.

[blueskyabq]

That is a good point, about expose and the cumulative affects of x-ray like mammogram?  How much and how offend of mammogram or x-ray is safe? Any guideline?

I have been concern this for a while.  I had screen mammogram (4 images), diagnosis mammogram (6 images) , then when did wire localization for surgical biopsy, more than 10 x-ray images ( I think about 20) had been taken during the procedures, all in one month.  How many are too much?

And after my diagnosis mammogram, when I was seeking second opinion, I asked if I can repeat mammogram because the report said that because dense tissue, so mammogram was less accurate.  But I was refused for the repeat mammogram, I was told that is not good for exposed to X-ray again by repeat mammogram.  But during wire localization, so many x-ray images have been taken in such a short time (2 hours) is not too much?  Are those x-ray dose same as dose used for mammogram?

I think a lots of ladies would like to know this, too.  Most of us were old back in 3 mo or 6 mo or 12 mo for follow up mammogram. Any website has any info of this?

Thank you in advance for your time and advice.

[inquisitive40]

I've read in several places and even heard from one oncology nurse that one should not get mammograms so often when you are below 50 secondary to all of the potential complications.  The cumulative affects of the radiation and the severe compression that may spread a tumor are enough reasons to scare me.  Is the radiation causing cancer in the younger population (40's) due to the frequency.  I would rather pay for an expensive MRI and ultrasound than expose myself to the potential ill effects of mammography.  What does Germany do?  They seem to be on the cutting edge of alternative medicine?  I have dense tissue and was told mammography does not read through the tissue that well and is not as effective as ultrasound.  I have had so much anxiety following my first and subsequent screening that I am not going back for my 6 month follow up as a "precaution" as they put it.  I will have an ultrasound though.  I know it's not a screening tool but I suppose its better than nothing.  What about elasography and thermography?   There has to be a safer approach!  

[japdip]

Ultrasound is not for screening of breast abnormalities. Mammogram is always recommended as FIRST for this purpose. In addition to what was mentioned above; US is often done following a Mammogram to define a cyst that appears as "questionable mass" on Mammogram. Digital Mammograms (if available in your area) are less uncomfortable.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

The ultrasound is not more accurate than the mammogram and in fact, the major cancer societies only recommend mammogram as a screening tool for breast cancer.  Ultrasound is only employed if there are plans for possible biopsy to be performed.  I understand your point since my wife also complains about the discomfort of mammogram and there is no getting used it.

Early breast cancer detection through mammogram has resulted in dramatic decrease in breast cancer mortality due to the detection of early stage cancer.