Breast imaging is a particular type of radiology imaging which focuses solely on breast health. Breast imaging can be undertaken in a variety of ways including screening or diagnostic mammography and ultrasound. Mammography is a specific type of breast imaging that uses low-dose x-rays to detect cancer early when it is can most effectively be treated.
It plays a central part in the early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast a long time before you or your doctor can feel them. Ultrasound imaging of the breast uses sound waves to produce pictures of the internal structures of the breast and is primarily used to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities your doctor may have found during a physical examination or mammogram.