Winifred Mading <[log in to unmask]> posted:

>I seem to recall the suggestion that a lactating mom needing a mammo 
>should inquire about an ultrasound instead as it is easier to distinguish 
>dense tissue from lactation from dense tissue that may be of concern.  It 
>makes sense to me, as when I have had a suspicious spot on a mammo they 
>then check with ultrasound (which fortunately was 
>negative!).  Unfortunately, insurance seems reluctant to pay for 
>ultrasound instead, but only after a mammo, and in my experience with less 
>coverage.

I had a breast ultrasound done 15 months after my son's birth. There was no 
demand to have a mammogram first, but I suspect that my breastfeeding, my 
age (35), and the area that needed a closer look (the very fringes of 
breast tissue going into the underarm) were considerations.

As a side note, I just got a "birthday card" from my HMO this year for my 
40th birthday. On the outside, was a cheery "Happy Birthday!" On the 
inside, all sorts of grim statistics about breast cancer and the dire need 
for me to have a mammogram RIGHT NOW. Not a scrap of info about 
breastfeeding though.

I will have to take that up with them.

regards,
Julia

Julia R. Barrett
Freelance Science Writer & Editor
Mom to Sean (6) and Kira (2 going on 20)
Madison, Wisconsin

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