Limitations of Ultrasound Ultrasound may have a difficult time imaging a breast abnormality that can be felt due to:. Ultrasound is not FDA approved as a screening tool for breast cancer for a number of reasons. As stated above, ultrasound cannot reliably detect calcifications, tiny calcium deposits associated with many breast cancers. Ultrasound is also very operator-dependent. In addition, ultrasound cannot document how much breast tissue has been imaged; therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the thoroughness of the exam.

Breast: Calcifications Index



What Does the Doctor Look for on a Mammogram?
Breast calcifications are calcium deposits that appear as white dots on a mammogram. They can vary in type i. While many people associate calcifications with breast cancer, there are a number of other potential causes, ranging from benign breast conditions such as fibroadenomas to conditions unrelated to the breast. Historically, the primary role of detecting breast calcifications has been the early diagnosis of breast cancer. But research from suggests that calcifications may also be a marker for underlying cardiovascular disease. Calcifications in the arteries can travel through the breast. A lot of other things can lead to breast calcifications, too.


What Does the Doctor Look for on a Mammogram?
Posted by Diane Campbell. Although advances in mammography have improved imaging and increased accuracy, depending on the type of mammography used, between 8 and 10 percent of women are still called back for further testing after their annual screening. A common reason to be called back for further screening is the appearance of calcifications on your mammogram. In themselves, calcifications are harmless.



A radiologist will look at your mammogram. Radiologists are doctors who diagnose diseases and injuries using imaging tests such as x-rays. When possible, the doctor reading your mammogram will compare it to your old mammograms. This can help show if any findings are new, or if they were already there on previous mammograms.