Breast Ultrasound in Singapore: Is It Time for One?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Singaporean women. There are thousands of new cases diagnosed every year.
Here is where a breast ultrasound comes in. It is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue.
Done correctly, it can give clear insights into abnormalities. Whether as part of regular screening or as a follow-up to a mammogram, a breast ultrasound can help to clarify areas of concern. Read more: https://ardenneshealth.com.sg/packages/well-womens-health-screening-package/.
In this article, we’ll explain when a breast ultrasound may be recommended. We will also show you how exactly it works. Let’s begin!
How do you know if you need a Breast Ultrasound?
There are a few specific scenarios when a breast ultrasound can be especially beneficial. To know if you need a breast ultrasound, check for these indicators:
· If you Have a High Breast Density
Women with dense breast tissue often have higher amounts of fibrous and glandular tissue, which can make it challenging for mammograms to detect abnormalities. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, as do potential tumors.
This can make it harder to distinguish between healthy and suspicious areas. In such cases, a breast ultrasound can be used to offer clarity, as it can provide a more detailed view of dense tissue. Potentially, it can reveal the areas that a mammogram might miss.
· If You Need to Assess an Abnormal Mammogram Finding
If a mammogram detects an area that looks unusual, a breast ultrasound is often the next step in assessing what’s there. The ultrasound can help distinguish between fluid-filled cysts (which are usually harmless) and solid masses, which may require further evaluation.
Since it allows a closer look at specific areas, ultrasound offers an effective way to evaluate mammogram findings without radiation exposure. This is why, it is usually considered a safe, non-invasive follow-up.
· If You Are Younger and at Risk for Breast Issues
For women under 40, breast ultrasounds may be more effective than mammograms. Younger women tend to have denser breast tissue.
As earlier explained, dense breast tissues can make mammogram images less clear. If you are young but have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, a breast ultrasound can offer a more suitable screening approach to help detect early signs of concern.
· If You’re Pregnant or Need a Radiation-Free Option
As you have seen, ultrasounds use sound waves instead of radiation. So, they are safe for pregnant women.
In fact, they are also recommended for individuals who prefer to avoid radiation exposure. Whether as a first-time test or to complement other screenings, breast ultrasound offers a reliable alternative for women who prefer radiation-free options.
What do they Take Pictures of During a Breast Ultrasound?
One of the questions we get asked a lot by those who reach out to for breast ultrasound in Singapore is; what do they take pictures of during a breast ultrasound? It is simple;
During a breast ultrasound, the technician takes images of the breast tissue to assess any abnormalities, like lumps, cysts, or other changes. The ultrasound can help differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts. So, it can be relied upon for valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
We would like to clarify that while mammograms are considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening, ultrasounds offer unique benefits that make them a valuable tool in specific situations. A good example is this one;
For some women, mammograms can be uncomfortable due to the compression of breast tissue during the procedure. Ultrasounds are typically painless and involve no compression. What’s more, a breast ultrasound is straightforward and typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Besides, there’s little preparation required. You may be asked to change into a gown and will likely be positioned lying down for the exam. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Step 1: A clear gel is applied to the breast area to help the ultrasound transducer (a handheld device) move smoothly over the skin and transmit sound waves effectively.
- Step 2: The technician will use the transducer to send sound waves into the breast tissue and to create images of the tissue layers. You won’t feel the sound waves, but you might feel some pressure from the transducer. One of the benefits of ultrasound is that images appear on a screen in real time. This means that the technician or doctor will be able to examine areas instantly. You may also be able to ask questions during the procedure.
- Step 3: After the scan, a radiologist will review the images. They may provide results the same day or within a few days. If the ultrasound reveals any areas that need further investigation, your doctor may recommend additional tests or follow-up appointments.
How much is Breast Ultrasound in Singapore?
If you’ve made up your mind to get your breast ultrasound in Singapore you may wonder; how much is breast ultrasound in Singapore? Here is a good answer;
In Singapore, the cost of breast ultrasound starts from around $140. In addition to ultrasounds, various other breast cancer screening options may be used depending on your unique case. Each of these screening options comes with different price points.
For example, a basic mammogram, which uses X-rays to examine breast tissue, typically ranges from $100 to $200. This screening is widely recommended for women over 40 as part of routine health checks.
For more comprehensive assessments, advanced screening methods such as MRI may be used. These typically cost between $800 and $1,500. They are often used for women with a higher risk of breast cancer or for further investigation of suspicious findings.
In Closing
Breast ultrasound can effectively compliment other breast cancer screening methods, especially for women with dense breast tissue or those seeking a radiation-free option. If you’re unsure whether a breast ultrasound is right for you, please speak with a women’s health specialist to help you make an informed decision.
Book an appointment today to gain clarity, peace of mind, and expert support in managing your health. Details below;
Ardennes Health
60 Paya Lebar Rd, #02-01/04,
Singapore 409051
+656980 3045/+658321 9715
