Why would my provider order an ultrasound after my mammogram?

You know that your breast health is important, so if you’ve recently had a mammogram and your healthcare provider has recommended a breast ultrasound, you might be wondering why. 

But don’t be worried: getting a breast ultrasound after a mammogram is nothing to stress over, and it’s not uncommon for your provider to suggest follow-up imaging after a mammogram.

If you need a breast ultrasound following a mammogram, it only means your healthcare provider wants to make sure they get an accurate picture of your breast health.

Ultrasound is a great choice for certain people who have recently had a mammogram.

Let’s find out more about why your provider may have recommended a breast ultrasound.

What is an ultrasound, and how does it work?

An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. 

During a breast ultrasound, a small handheld device (called a transducer) is gently moved over your skin, creating images on a screen. These images give your healthcare provider detailed information about your breast health.

Unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound doesn’t use radiation, making it a safe option for many patients.

How does a breast ultrasound support my mammogram?

A mammogram is an essential tool for detecting breast changes, but it’s not always enough on its own. 

Sometimes, the mammogram may show areas that need a closer look, especially if the breast tissue is dense. 

Dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the mammogram results because both dense tissue and potential concerns appear white on the images. 

A breast ultrasound can see through dense tissue, offering a clearer picture of what’s happening inside.

Why is a breast ultrasound a good choice after a mammogram?

A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless study that adds another layer of detail to your mammogram. 

It can provide a clearer view of areas that were difficult to assess with just a mammogram. 

This is especially helpful for those with dense breast tissue or when the mammogram shows a potential abnormality that needs further examination.

Ultrasounds can target specific areas of concern, helping your healthcare provider make a more accurate diagnosis and develop a tailored care plan. 

Also, you should know that ultrasounds don’t use radiation, so they can be used safely to monitor any breast changes over time.

Why your provider recommended additional imaging

We know that ultrasound offers your healthcare provider clear images of your breast tissue, but it might not be clear why your provider recommended one for you, in particular. There are a couple of potential reasons. 

Let’s look at why additional imaging is sometimes necessary, and how an ultrasound can offer more clarity during your screening process.

What results on a mammogram led my provider to order an ultrasound?

Your provider’s decision to recommend an ultrasound following a mammogram can be based on several factors. 

One common reason is the presence of dense breast tissue. Dense tissue can make it more challenging to interpret mammogram results because it appears white on the images, the same color as potential concerns such as lumps or masses. 

Another reason might be to give your provider a closer look at a specific area or anomaly from your mammogram results.

While a mammogram is excellent for screening and spotting differences in breast tissue, it can sometimes raise questions that only additional imaging can answer. 

By recommending an ultrasound, your provider is taking a proactive step to gather as much information as possible about your breast health.

How can an ultrasound provide more clarity on my mammogram results?

Unlike mammograms, an ultrasound is more sensitive in heterogenous and extremely dense breasts.

This depth allows your provider to see the shape, size, and location of any anomalies with greater clarity. 

The additional details gained from an ultrasound can be vital in determining the next steps––whether it’s monitoring, further testing, or exploring treatment options.

Will an ultrasound make my screening more effective?

Incorporating an ultrasound into your breast health screening can make the process more effective, particularly for those with dense breast tissue, or when a mammogram shows abnormalities. 

By offering a different view, an ultrasound can provide a more comprehensive assessment, which can increase the likelihood of detecting breast cancer early. 

Or in other words, a breast ultrasound ensures that your breast-health screening is as thorough and accurate as possible, based on your unique circumstances.

How an ultrasound helps your provider detect breast changes

Making ultrasounds a part of your regular breast-health screenings can help you over time, as your breast tissue changes with age.

This can give your healthcare provider a unique window into your overall breast health.

In this section, we’ll delve into the ways an ultrasound can be an essential tool for your healthcare team.

How does an ultrasound help my provider to track my breast-tissue changes over time?

An ultrasound is especially useful for observing any developments or changes in your breast tissue since your last check-up. 

By comparing images from previous ultrasounds and mammograms, your provider can detect subtle changes in your breast tissue, helping to identify potential concerns early on. 

This tracking is important for maintaining your breast health and for making informed decisions about your care.

How can a breast ultrasound differentiate between solid masses and cysts?

One of the key advantages of an ultrasound is its ability to distinguish between solid masses and cysts. 

Solid masses may require further investigation to rule out or confirm malignancy, while cysts are typically fluid-filled and often benign. 

Through the use of sound waves, an ultrasound can provide detailed images that show whether a mass is solid or filled with fluid. 

This information is invaluable in determining the next steps in your care plan, whether it be further diagnostic testing for solid masses, or monitoring fluid-filled cysts.

How can an ultrasound help to guide a breast biopsy?

If there’s a need for a breast biopsy to investigate a suspicious area further, an ultrasound can play a critical role in guiding this procedure. 

Ultrasounds provide real-time images, so they can help your healthcare provider precisely locate the area of concern within the breast. 

This guidance is essential for ensuring that the biopsy samples are taken from the exact location of the abnormality. 

A breast ultrasound not only increases the likelihood of a definitive diagnosis but also enhances the overall safety and effectiveness of the biopsy procedure.

What to expect during and after your ultrasound

Now that you understand the benefits of getting a breast ultrasound after your mammogram, we’ll show you exactly what to expect from your ultrasound, both before and following your ultrasound study.

Let’s take a detailed look at what happens during a breast ultrasound, and at what you can expect afterward, so you’ll be completely ready on the day of your study.

What happens during a breast ultrasound?

During the ultrasound, you’ll be asked to change into a gown and lie on an examination table. 

A small amount of gel is applied to your skin, which helps the ultrasound device move smoothly and ensures better contact. 

The technologist will gently move a handheld device called a transducer across your breasts, capturing images that your healthcare provider will analyze.

The study is painless and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You may feel a slight pressure from the transducer but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable. 

Unlike a mammogram, there’s no compression involved in an ultrasound. 

After your ultrasound, the gel will be wiped off your skin, and you can resume your normal activities immediately.

What should I ask my provider about my ultrasound results?

Understanding your ultrasound results is important not only for your peace of mind, but also to help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your care. 

Here are some questions to consider asking your healthcare provider during your follow-up appointment:

• Can you explain the findings of my ultrasound in plain language?
• How do these findings compare to my mammogram results?
• What is your level of concern for the findings?
• What are our next steps? 
• How often should I have follow-up mammograms, ultrasounds, or other screenings?

These questions can help you gain a clear understanding of your ultrasound results and what they mean for your health. 

Your provider will be able to give you detailed explanations, to respond to your concerns, and to guide you through the next steps.

What are my next steps if the ultrasound reveals an abnormality?

If your ultrasound reveals an abnormality, it’s completely normal to feel concerned, but it’s important to remember that not all abnormalities are cancerous. 

Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you, and suggest a plan of action, which may include:

• Further imaging tests: Sometimes, additional imaging tests are needed to get a clearer picture of the abnormality.
• Biopsy: If the ultrasound has identified a suspicious area, a biopsy may be recommended to determine if the cells are cancerous.
• Monitoring: In some cases, especially with benign conditions, your provider may recommend monitoring the abnormality with regular ultrasounds to check for any changes over time.

Your provider will work with you to determine the most appropriate course of action based on your individual situation. 

They will consider the type of abnormality, your health history, and any other relevant factors. 

To ensure your best possible care, following your ultrasound, it’s important to follow your provider’s recommendations.

How to schedule an appointment with us

Our goal is to offer you and your healthcare provider the most informative results possible, and we make it easy for you to get an appointment. 

With numerous locations across South Jersey, you’ll find us conveniently located near major highways and key bridges in the region. 

We’ll ensure the entire scheduling process is as effortless as possible for you. Above all, we are here to help you.

Reach out to us at any of the following locations to book an appointment:

• Cherry Hill Office – Cherry Hill, NJ
• Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
• Marlton (Greentree) Office – Marlton, NJ
• Moorestown Office – Moorestown, NJ
• Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
• West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
• Willingboro Office – Willingboro, NJ
• Women’s Center at Cross Keys – Sewell, NJ
• Women’s Center at Medford – Medford, NJ
• Women’s Center at Mount Laurel – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Women’s Center at Voorhees – Voorhees Township, NJ

Learn more about the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read, analyze and interpret the findings here at South Jersey Radiology Associates.