Breast health is a priority for many Singaporean women. This is especially true considering that one of the most asked questions about breast ultrasound in Singapore is; what is breast ultrasound price in Singapore?
While mammograms are commonly known for breast cancer screening, breast ultrasounds play a critical role too. Unlike mammograms, which rely on X-rays, breast ultrasounds use sound waves.
Quite literally, this is what makes them a safe and non-invasive option. But what exactly does a breast ultrasound detect, when should you consider getting one, and what does the process involve? Stay on this page for all the answers to these questions.
What Does a Breast Ultrasound Detect?
To begin with, a breast ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of breast tissue. These images allow radiologists to view structures within the breast that may not be as visible with other methods. A breast ultrasound can detect:
- Lumps and Masses: A breast ultrasound is often recommended if you or your doctor feel a lump. It helps distinguish between solid masses (like tumors) and fluid-filled cysts, which are generally non-cancerous.
- Breast Density: Women with dense breast tissue may benefit from a breast ultrasound, as it can detect irregularities that may be missed on a mammogram. Dense tissue makes it harder for X-rays to penetrate, which is why ultrasounds are an effective supplement.
- Irregular Growths and Inflammation: Ultrasound can detect areas of inflammation or abscesses, which may cause discomfort but are usually benign. It also helps identify conditions like fibrocystic breast changes, which involve lumpiness or pain in the breast.
With that out of the way, now you must be wondering; when should you consider a breast ultrasound? Now, not everyone needs a breast ultrasound as part of routine screening. However, there are factors that make this test beneficial. You should consider a breast ultrasound if;
- You Have Dense Breasts: Breast density can obscure mammogram results. Since dense breast tissue is common among Asian women, especially those in their 30s and 40s, an ultrasound can provide clearer images.
- You Detect a Lump: Feeling a lump during a self-exam is a valid reason to consider a breast ultrasound in Singapore. It helps clarify if the lump is a cyst or a solid mass which can potentially save you time and worry.
- You’re Pregnant or Young: Ultrasounds don’t use radiation. This makes them safe for pregnant women or younger individuals who may need further breast examination but want to avoid X-rays.
- You need Follow-Up After Abnormal Mammograms: If a mammogram shows an area of concern, a breast ultrasound can provide additional information. For example, it can help confirm whether a shadow seen on the mammogram is benign or warrants further attention.
- You need Guidance for Procedures: Breast ultrasounds are frequently used to guide needle biopsies or drain cysts. The real-time imaging offers precision to ensure that the sample or treatment is accurate and safe.
Is Breast Ultrasound Entirely Safe?
As you have seen breast ultrasound technology relies on sound waves, not radiation. So, it is technically safe but it is wholly safe?
The simple answer is yes, breast ultrasounds are very safe. In fact, they have no known risk as there’s no risk of radiation exposure which makes it a suitable choice for people of all ages and health conditions, including pregnant women.
What’s more, the non-invasive nature of breast ultrasounds further improves their safety profile. There are no injections or incisions required.
Besides, most breast ultrasounds are completed in under an hour with no need for recovery time which makes them a convenient option for busy schedules. Perhaps the only concern would be about the possibility of errors.
It is because of this possibility of errors that many people frequently ask; what are the pitfalls in breast ultrasound? The pitfalls aren’t many but the most notable ones include;
- Difficulty detecting small lesions: Breast ultrasounds may miss tiny lumps or solid tumors. Mammograms often detect these smaller growths. This explains why sometimes mammography is the preferred choice for comprehensive screening.
- Difficulties with patient characteristics: Certain patient characteristics, like being overweight or having larger breasts, can make ultrasound imaging less accurate. Also, natural movements like breathing or heartbeats may cause image distortions, known as artifacts. These artifacts can sometimes make it harder for specialists to accurately interpret results.
- Technical limitations: Ultrasound quality depends heavily on the equipment and how it’s used. Incorrect settings or insufficient scanning pressure may lead to artifacts that obscure suspicious areas or cause false results. For example, under-pressure can hide a malignancy, while over-pressure may distort normal tissues.
- Obstructions from air or foreign objects: Air trapped in the breast tissue or nearby foreign objects can also obstruct the view. This issue may interfere with image quality or make needle guidance for biopsies difficult. In these cases, an unclear image can complicate both diagnosis and treatment decisions.
To ensure the best outcomes with breast ultrasounds, we’d recommend choosing a certified imaging center with skilled, experienced technicians. It may also help to combine ultrasounds with mammograms enhances detection.
This may particularly be helpful for smaller lesions. Before the procedure, inform the technician of any breast implants or prior surgeries, as these can impact imaging. Also, try your best to stay still during the scan to minimize artifacts.
Closing Thoughts
Breast ultrasounds in Singapore offer not only safe, but also very effective, and widely accessible option for breast health screening and diagnostics. And it doesn’t even matter whether you’re considering it as a supplement to your routine mammogram, a follow-up for unusual symptoms, or a part of your health maintenance.
It can be of great help if you’re seeking to catch breast cancer early. Regular screenings and knowing when to pursue additional testing options are key in staying proactive about your breast health.
If you’re considering a breast ultrasound or have concerns about breast health, please speak with your women’s health specialist for clarity. Early screening and the right diagnostic tools can make all the difference in catching issues early. Schedule a consultation below to learn how a breast ultrasound might benefit you.
Ardennes Health
60 Paya Lebar Rd, #02-01/04,
Singapore 409051
+656980 3045/+658321 9715