Finding breast cancer early is very important for good treatment. Mammograms and breast MRIs are the two main imaging tests used to check for breast cancer. Because each has its own pros and cons, the one you choose will depend on your specific needs.
Intermountain Medical Imaging is one of the best places to get screened for breast cancer. Talking to them will help you learn more about your situation.
What is a mammography?
Another name for a mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. It is the screening tool that most women over 40 use and are told to use. Mammograms are very good at finding calcifications, which may be early signs of breast cancer. They are also pretty inexpensive and straightforward for a lot of people to get.
Mammograms do have some problems, though. They can be uncomfortable, and women with thick breast tissue may find them less successful. Dense breasts can hide problems, making it harder for doctors to find them. Mammograms also expose people to radiation, though only in small amounts.
What is an MRI?
MRIs of the breast use radio waves and magnetic fields to make clear pictures of the breast tissue. They work especially well on women with dense breasts because they can get through the thick flesh more easily and find problems. Women who have had radiation therapy to the chest or who have a strong family history of breast cancer should also get an MRI.
MRIs are better at finding breast cancer because they are more sensitive, but they also have some problems. In terms of cost and time, they are worse than scans.
Additionally, contrast dye has to be injected during MRIs, which can cause allergy reactions in some people. MRIs also have trouble finding microcalcifications, which can be a sign of breast cancer early on.
How do you choose the right test for you?
Whether you should get a mammogram or an MRI of your breasts depends on your age, the mass of your breasts, your family history of breast cancer, and your general risk of getting breast cancer.
- Age: Most rules say that women should get a mammogram every year starting at age 40 or 45.
- Breast density: Both mammograms and breast MRIs may be helpful for women whose breasts are thick.
- Family history: If there is a strong history of breast cancer in your family, your doctor may suggest that you get an MRI of your breasts in addition to your yearly MA.
- Genetic risk: Women who have a known genetic mutation that makes them more likely to get breast cancer, like BRCA1 or BRCA2, may be told to get regular breast MRIs.
It is important to talk to your doctor about these things so that they can figure out the best test plan for you. They can help you think about the pros and cons of each test so you can make an intelligent choice.
Beyond mammograms and MRIs.
While mammograms and breast MRIs are the most common ways to check for breast cancer, ultrasounds and breast thermography may also be used in some cases.
For example, ultrasounds can help doctors figure out what is wrong with something that was seen on a mammogram or how to do a biopsy. Thermography of the breast, which measures the heat given off by breast tissue, is still being studied and is not generally suggested as a screening tool.
Speak to your doctor.
To beat breast cancer, it is important to find it early. You can work with your doctor to make a custom screening plan that fits your needs and risk factors better if you know the pros and cons of both mammograms and breast MRIs. Regular screenings and early discovery can make your chances of getting better and finishing treatment much higher.