Sono-mammography is an ultrasound test performed to detect abnormal masses or growths, such as cancer tumours, in the breasts. Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease that can be treated effectively when detected early. The Sono-mammography test aids in the detection of such tumours, which can then be accurately diagnosed through biopsy and removed via surgery.
What is the Sono-mammography Test?
Sono-mammography is an imaging technique used for examining and screening for cancerous tumours in the breasts. It helps to characterise general lumpiness in the breast tissue. The purpose of a Sono-mammography test is to assist in diagnosing masses or growths in the breasts, including those that extend into the underarms and may be potentially cancerous. Sono mammography can also guide a biopsy. This test is a safe and effective way to identify breast lumps.
When should I get this Sono-mammography Test?
A breast ultrasound, or Sono-mammography test, may be recommended by a doctor for a number of reasons, including the following:
- When a lump (mass) is found in the breast or when there is a general lumpiness felt in the breasts.
- If breast tissue is too dense to be accurately assessed by mammography.
- To determine if any anomaly detected by mammography is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumour.
- For women with a family history of breast cancer or for those with a medical history of breast cancer.
- As a preventive screening method for breast cancer in women older than 35 years of age.
Procedure for Sono-mammography test
There are no specific requirements for the Sono-mammography test; it is a simple ultrasound test. This test is usually performed in a clinical setting, typically in a radiology laboratory, and is conducted by a radiologist. The patient being examined needs to lie down on the examining table. The radiologist then applies gel to the breast area to be examined and uses a special probe. The probe is a linear, high-frequency device used to scan the entire chest area as well as the armpits to look for any lumps in these areas.
Uses of Sono-mammography Test
The Sono-mammography test is one of the most effective diagnostic tests used to detect lumps in the breasts. This test is primarily recommended for women who experience symptoms of breast cancer. It can help doctors diagnose or rule out breast cancer, which can be beneficial for tailoring an appropriate treatment plan for patients with confirmed breast cancer. Early detection and treatment are important to improve the chances of success in breast cancer treatment.
How to prepare for the Sono-mammography Test
Before the Sono-mammography test is performed, no special preparations are usually required. It can be performed even during one's menstruation.
Values of Sono-mammography Test
The Sono-mammography test results are reported based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System or BI-RADS methodology. According to this method, the Sono-mammography test results are measured on a scale from 0 to 6.
Results
The Sono-mammography test results may be available within a few days, generally two weeks, after the test has been performed. The results of a Sono-mammography test can be best interpreted by a doctor. For reference, the interpretations of the values of the Sono-mammography test are provided below.
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SI. No.
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Value (BI-RADS 0-6)
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Interpretation
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1.
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BI-RADS 0
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This means that radiologists may have found a possible area of abnormality but specialised images are required to evaluate the area.
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2.
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BI-RADS 1 (negative)
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This indicates that no abnormalities have been found in terms of masses, distorted structures or suspicious calcifications.
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3.
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BI-RADS 2
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This indicates finding a benign structure in the breast, such as cysts, lymph nodes, and benign calcifications.
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4.
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BI-RADS 3
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Findings in this category indicate benign lumps or cysts with over 98% surety. Lumps at this stage may be further evaluated and monitored to ensure it doesn't change over time.
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5.
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BI-RADS 4
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Breast lumps found at this stage of the Sono-mammography test indicate the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Biopsy of the breast tissues may be recommended.
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6.
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BI-RADS 5
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Lumps found at this stage have a high likelihood of being malignant (cancerous), and a biopsy may be strongly recommended.
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7.
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BI-RADS 6
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The Sono-mammography test at this point is usually performed after cancer has been diagnosed and is being treated. At this stage, Sono-mammography may be performed to monitor the efficacy of cancer treatment.
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Conclusion
The Sono-mammography test is a diagnostic test used to find abnormalities in the breasts, such as lumps and cysts, in women with a high likelihood of developing breast cancer or those who show symptoms of breast cancer or are undergoing treatments for it. The test results are available in a few days and are an excellent way to track the progress of breast cancer treatment. The Sono-mammography test cost may range from Rs. 900 to Rs. 1500.
Book an appointment for a Sono-mammography test near me at CARE Hospitals today for the best breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a Sonomammogram and a Mammogram?
Ans. The primary difference between a Sono-mammography procedure and a mammogram is that in the Sono-mammography procedure, ultrasound waves are used to produce images of the structures of the breast tissues, while a mammogram uses radiation to produce the same visuals. However, the images produced by a mammogram are more detailed than those produced by a Sono-mammography procedure.
2. How long do Sono-mammography or mammogram results take?
Ans. A Sono-mammography or mammogram test typically provides results within 2 weeks after the procedure.
3. What does an ultrasound show that a mammogram doesn’t?
Ans. A Sono-mammography (ultrasound) procedure can help identify lumps in the outer region of the breast tissues, but it may not be able to detect lumps within denser or deeper breast tissues. A mammogram, on the other hand, is capable of detecting these lumps and can even reveal finer details such as calcium deposits around a tumour.
4. Is the Sonomammogram safe?
Ans. A Sono-mammography test is considered to be a safer procedure than a conventional mammogram. The Sono-mammography procedure does not require using radiation that can potentially cause damage to sensitive tissues of the breast but a conventional mammogram does use radiation. Therefore, the Sono-mammography test is a safe procedure.
