Myths about Ultrasounds (or Sonograms)
Facts about Ultrasounds
- Cancers show up on ultrasound better than mammograms.
- Breast microcalcifications are seen easily with ultrasound.
- My breasts are large and I should only get an ultrasound.
- All palpable masses (lumps) are cancer especially if it doesn’t hurt.
The Truth about Sonograms
- Ultrasounds are an adjunct to the mammogram. This study helps to decide if a mass is solid or fluid-filled (cyst).
- Calcifications are difficult to see on ultrasound.
- Size and density of breast tissue does not matter.
- If you are under the age of 30, a sonogram is performed instead of mammogram.
- Palpable masses can represent normal breast tissue, a cyst or cancer.