Regular mammograms decrease your risk of dying from breast cancer, which is why the Breast Center encourages all women age 40 or older to schedule a screening mammogram every year. The key difference between the two is that diagnostic mammograms focus on a problem that has already been identified. Suspicious screening results or things such as nipple discharge, lumps, or breast pain may be cause for a diagnostic mammogram. Diagnostic mammograms can determine whether these symptoms are suspicious for breast cancer or due to another benign issue.
Diagnostic mammograms typically take longer than screening mammograms. The recommended age to begin yearly mammograms is 40; however, if you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor to see if starting screening earlier is right for you. Screening mammograms are performed yearly on women, typically aged 40 and above, to screen for signs of breast cancer.
Screening mammograms are done on women who show no symptoms of breast cancer, such as a lump, skin changes, nipple discharge or a change since their last breast exam. During a screening mammogram, a specially trained and certified technologist will take two images of each breast. They are also ordered if you have symptoms or unusual breast changes. Symptoms looked at by diagnostic imaging include things like lumps, pain, or discharge. Changes in breast size, shape, or skin thickness may also need diagnostic testing.
Women who have or had breast cancer and women with breast implants also may need diagnostic imaging. Being open with your doctor will help them order the correct exam for you. However, an abnormal mammogram means results are different from other women of the same age. These include things like natural dense breast tissue, a cyst, or a non-cancerous tumor. In some cases, images from the screening are distorted and show inaccurate results. We perform 3D mammograms at Premier Diagnostic Imaging.
Many women who have screenings are called back for abnormal findings. Understanding the differences between screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms is important. Comparison with prior imaging is key to assessing for change and accurate diagnosis. Please bring a CD of your prior studies if your prior breast health studies were performed outside of Memorial Hermann.
If you need us to request your prior films from another facility, please complete a medical release of information form and return it to our facility prior to your appointment. Once received, we will request the films. A diagnostic mammogram differs from a screening mammography in that additional views of the breast are taken.
One at a time, your breasts will be positioned on a flat plate that will acquire the image. Another plate compresses your breast tissue. Very firm compression is needed to obtain high quality pictures. You may be asked to lift your arm or use your hand to hold your other breast out of the way.
The X-ray plate will feel cold when you place your breast on it.
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