Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women worldwide. In fact, women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, with early detection, it is often treatable.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 99% of women who are diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer survive for 5 years or longer. This makes early detection vital. Continue reading to learn about the different breast screening options and which modality may be right for you.
The following information is educational only. It’s not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a combination of radio waves, a computer, and a powerful magnetic field to produce highly detailed pictures of the structures in your breasts. It is often used as a supplement alongside mammography or a breast ultrasound. An MRI of the breast is used for women who are at a higher risk of breast cancer.
For an MRI of the breast, you will lie face down on a specialized platform. There are openings on this platform to accommodate your breasts, and contrast material is given intravenously. The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, patients with prior breast surgery or implants may require additional imaging sequences which can extend the exam time.
After imaging is complete, the technician may ask you to wait while the radiologist checks to see whether additional images are needed.
Breast MRIs offer heightened sensitivity for detecting breast cancer, especially for women with dense breast tissue. They can also be done without using radiation or compression, which makes them ideal for high-risk screenings. However, they tend to have higher false-positive readings and are expensive. Insurance coverage for a breast MRI can vary. Many insurance plans only cover a breast MRI if a person meets high-risk screening criteria.
Mammography is often conducted as a preventative screening measure. A mammogram is a fast, noninvasive imaging test that uses low-dose X-ray radiation to create images of the breast and detect early signs of cancer.
During a mammogram, each breast is gently pressed between two plates to take clear, detailed images. The process takes about 10 to 20 minutes
Mammograms are excellent tools for finding breast cancer early, allowing for more effective treatment. They are highly effective for early detection in average-risk women. However, they can sometimes produce false negative results, which means that an actual cancer is missed. This is more likely in women with dense breast tissue. Additionally, some women find the required breast compression painful.
A breast ultrasound is a noninvasive image test that creates real-time pictures of your breast tissue using high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasounds do not require radiation or compression. They are often used as a supplement alongside routine mammography, particularly for women with dense breast tissue.
During a breast ultrasound, a handheld transducer produces sound waves which bounce off your breast tissue and create images of the inside of your breasts. An ultrasound can be done for the entire breast or to target a suspicious spot to get a better look. A breast ultrasound typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on the area being evaluated.
Because it uses no radiation, breast ultrasound is safe during pregnancy. It’s also well-suited for women with dense breast tissue, where it can detect some cancers that mammography may miss, and it helps distinguish cysts from solid lumps. However, because ultrasound is very sensitive, it can also lead to more false positive results. So, something suspicious may appear on imaging even when cancer is not present.
However, breast ultrasounds have a higher false-positive rate and cannot detect breast microcalcifications. These are small calcium deposits in breast tissue that can sometimes be a sign of early breast cancer. It is also not a replacement for mammography.
There are two possible outcomes for breast imaging tests. The first outcome is "normal" or "benign." “Normal” findings mean that the test did not pick up on any abnormal or suspicious findings.
The second possible outcome is "needs additional imaging." This is a common outcome and does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. In some cases, a biopsy is recommended. In most cases, a biopsy is required to determine if an abnormality is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
If breast cancer imaging picks up on something suspicious, the standard approach involves the following:
Understanding what your results mean can help guide the next steps in your care. HerScan securely shares your results directly with you so you can review them with your doctor.
It's important to remember that imaging tests are classified into two categories: "screening" tests and "diagnostic" tests.
A screening is a routine check when you otherwise feel fine and have no symptoms. The goal of a screening is to catch breast cancer early, so you have the opportunity to use less invasive treatment options with fewer side effects and have a better quality of life.
A diagnostic imaging test is a follow-up if you're experiencing symptoms or receive abnormal results from a routine screening. With diagnostic imaging, there is a reason to look more closely. The goal is to evaluate a specific concern or follow up on an abnormal screening result. Some of the reasons why you would undergo diagnostic imaging include feeling a lump and experiencing nipple discharge or pain in your breast.
When you choose HerScan for breast ultrasound screening, you receive professional imaging on your own terms. Our credentialed and highly skilled sonographers provide professional ultrasound screenings. The images are reviewed by board-certified radiologists.
You can schedule the screening according to your schedule. Most exams last 20 minutes and are safe, noninvasive, and require no doctor’s referral.