Sonomammography: Know why this ultrasound of your breast is important to lower breast cancer risk

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in women in India, followed by cervical cancer. According to a report from the National Cancer Registry Program by the National Institute for Disease Informatics and Research, they collectively represent 39.4 percent of all female cancer cases in India in 2020. As per the research available, there are several factors that increase the risk of breast cancer, including radiation, and drugs, ageing, obesity, alcohol consumption, hereditary, etc.

More than two lakh women were expected to have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 76,000 deaths were recorded. The number of breast cancer cases is anticipated to increase to over 2.3 lahks by 20225, as per the 2020 National Cancer Registry Program Report. Keeping the harrowing figures in mind, it will be imperative for women to take utmost care of their breasts. So, try to do regular breast self-examination and mammograms, as per the doctor’s advice. Your treating doctor will also suggest a sonomammography to monitor breast health.

What Is Sonomammography?

Sonomammography or ultrasound of the breast can be described as a non-invasive technique to understand the breasts and the blood flow to areas inside them. It is an imaging technique that helps to check and screen for cancer and even breast abnormalities. This test helps with visualisation of the breast tissue to look for any lumps or extra mass. It is an impactful process that is performed after the patient finds an abnormal lump, which is then confirmed by a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) test.

Also Read: Breast cancer awareness: A guide on prevention, detection and diagnosis

Who should do it?

If a woman finds a breast lump or general lumpiness is felt in the breast, or if breast tissue is too dense, she should go for a sonomammography. Women who have a family history of breast cancer, or they notice any abnormal changes in the breast should also go for it.

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How is a sonomammography performed?

Sonomammography is used as an early diagnostic tool to assess breast masses. Instead of using radiation, sound waves are used to inspect the inside of the breasts and look for any anomalies. This treatment is quite safe because the sound waves don’t harm or alter the tissues. For the treatment, the patient lies down on the examining table, and the radiologist puts a gel on the breast area and uses a linear, high-frequency probe to scan the whole chest area and armpits for any lump or mass.

Sonomammography is a quick, painless, easily accessible, and non-invasive procedure that helps do the proper diagnosis of breast cancer. It is not so expensive and doesn’t need prior preparation. It is also a vital tool for women with breast abnormalities.

Whenever there is a lump in the breast, one should do a regular health check-up and take advice from an expert. Early detection can save lives!