Chances are, you know someone who’s faced breast cancer, whether it’s been a close relative or friend. Early detection can save lives. When breast cancer is detected early in the more treatable stages (and hasn't spread), the five-year survival rate is 99%.
Screening breast ultrasounds are one of the best ways to stay proactive about your breast health. Screening ultrasounds routinely check for early signs of concern. Diagnostic ultrasounds take a closer look at specific areas when something needs further evaluation.
Learn more about the difference between these screening tools and which may be right for you.
The Importance of Breast Cancer Screening
Excluding skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women today. In fact, breast cancer accounts for 1 out of every three cancers diagnosed. Research indicates that by using ultrasound screening along with mammography, detection rates may increase by up to 96% in women with dense breast tissue.
Breast cancer is often asymptomatic when it first appears, meaning that once you experience any symptoms, it is often at an advanced stage. Early screenings offer us a greater chance of successfully treating the disease. Earlier stages of breast cancer also usually require less aggressive treatments.
What Type of Breast Imaging Does HerScan Offer?
HerScan empowers women by helping them do more for their breast health by offering breast ultrasound screenings that are convenient and affordable. HerScan ultrasounds are not a diagnostic tool. Rather, they add another layer of imaging to look at alongside your annual mammogram. You can then share this information with your provider to make informed decisions about your health.
What Is Breast Ultrasound Screening?
Breast ultrasound screening is a non-invasive imaging test that generates a sonogram. This technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create images (or videos) of internal organs or soft tissues, such as breast tissue.
Breast ultrasound screening can be a useful part of your proactive, preventive health care plan. These screenings let providers "see" details of your breast tissue without needing to make any cuts. Radiation is also unnecessary.
During breast ultrasound screening, our sonographer will pass a device called a transducer (probe) over your breasts and armpit area. This process is painless and, unlike a mammogram, doesn't require compression. After your screening is completed, a board-certified radiologist will read your test, and you will receive the results within 10 business days.
While we do not provide diagnoses or treatment decisions, this information can help you take the next step on your own terms.
What Is Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound?
A health care professional can use a diagnostic breast ultrasound to investigate a specific area of concern or symptoms. This is used when a lump is felt or something suspicious is spotted on a mammogram. It is a targeted exam that focuses on a specific area to get a closer look.
A radiologist will evaluate the images in real-time while you are present, and the results will be discussed. Undergoing a diagnostic ultrasound typically takes longer than an ultrasound screening.
When a Diagnostic vs. Screening Is Used
A screening breast ultrasound is a proactive scan for women without symptoms, used as a supplement to mammography.
A diagnostic ultrasound is a follow-up tool used to evaluate a known or suspected problem and help determine its cause.
Screening ultrasound may detect cancers hidden in dense breast tissue that a mammogram might miss. It can reveal smaller invasive cancers not visible on mammography—especially in women with dense breasts—and may find masses not felt during a physical exam. Ultrasound can identify areas of concern, such as solid masses (often benign fibroadenomas) or fluid-filled cysts, which may require follow-up.
Diagnostic ultrasound is more focused. It helps differentiate cysts vs. solid masses, investigates symptoms (such as a new lump, nipple discharge, or breast pain), and allows the radiologist to assess a mass’s size, shape, margins, and vascularity—details that inform the likelihood of cancer.
In short, screening casts a wide net to detect previously unknown issues, while diagnostic ultrasound is a targeted tool for a suspected or specific problem.
Comparison Table: Screening vs. Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound
|
Feature |
Breast Ultrasound Screening |
Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound |
|
Purpose |
Routine check for early signs of concern. |
In-depth evaluation of a specific concern |
|
When Used |
No symptoms; as a supplement to mammography |
Symptoms present or abnormal finding on mammogram/ exam |
|
Scope |
Broad look at both breasts and underarms |
Targeted to the area of concern |
|
During the Visit |
Images performed by a sonographer; no compression |
Radiologist may evaluate images in real time |
|
Results |
Report from a board-certified radiologist within ~7-10 business days |
Results often discussed during the visit |
|
Relation to Mammogram |
Adds another layer of imaging; does not replace mammography |
Follow-up to clarify a finding from screening or symptoms |
What Option Is Best if I Feel a Lump?
If you find a lump, try not to panic—breast lumps are common at any age, and most are benign. That said, new lumps should be evaluated. Your provider may recommend a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound to investigate further. New lumps could be cancerous, and they should be investigated further using a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.
What Imaging Is Best for Dense Breast Tissue?
About half of women have dense breast tissue. For women with dense breasts, the best screening approach will involve a combination of imaging through mammography and ultrasound.
Normal breast tissue and cancerous tissue both appear white on a mammogram. An ultrasound can help pick up on small cancers that may be hiding among normal breast tissue that would otherwise go undetected on a standard mammogram. With an ultrasound, normal breast tissue and cancer do not show up as the same color, which is especially helpful with dense breasts.
Why HerScan for Breast Cancer Screening?
In the fight against breast cancer, it's important to use every screening tool available that can increase your chances of early detection. HerScan provides women with an easy and quick way to take charge of their breast health. With appointments as short as 20 minutes, you can schedule a quick, painless scan and get on with the rest of your busy day.
