The primary diagnosis of breast diseases in modern medicine is carried out using several methods: mammography and breast ultrasound examination.

Patients are often curious which examination is better, when they should be performed, and what advantages each of them has.

In this article, we’ll explain the difference between these two methods, which one is best in specific cases, and why using a combination of them is often the best option for early diagnosis.

What is mammography?

Mammography -  mammography is a method of breast diagnosis by using X-rays. The test accuracy is 95% and is considered the fastest method.

International guidelines for early detection of breast pathologies define mammography as the gold standard of examination.

Mammography makes it possible to obtain a layered image of the breast and see changes in breast tissue in more detail.

What is a breast ultrasound examination?

A breast ultrasound exam is a safe, painless, and harmless procedure that allows real-time observation of breast tissue using a specialized ultrasound scanner. The process usually takes a few minutes, and no special preparation is needed.

Advantages of Mammography

✅  Especially effective for women over 40

✅  Detects small microcalcifications, which can be an early sign of cancer

✅ Screening is recommended every 1-2 years.

Advantages of ultrasound

✅ In young women under 40, it shows cysts, fibroadenomas, and connective tissue with the highest accuracy

✅ Does not contain radioactive radiation

✅ Safe for pregnant women and during lactation

✅ Effective in determining the nature (severity) of nodular formation

Making a choice – when are mammography and ultrasound examination prescribed?

Mammography and ultrasound examinations are not interchangeable - they complement each other. To achieve optimal results, combined diagnostics are often applied in clinical practice.