What is the Difference-Screening vs Diagnostic?

Screening mammography is recommended annually for women age 40 and over or earlier if your doctor has determined this is necessary at a younger age.

It involves taking screen-film or digital images of the breast using the mammography technology described in the screening mammogram section of this site.

A diagnostic mammogram is used when either an abnormality has been identified on a screening mammogram, signs of breast cancer are identified on physical examination, or the patient has a personal history of breast cancer.

Diagnostic mammograms are performed in the same manner as screening mammograms in that the breast is compressed and x-ray images are captured. During a screening mammogram two views of each breast are taken. However, during a diagnostic mammogram, more views are taken to evaluate specific areas of concern.

A suspicious area may be magnified to produce a more detailed image that could determine if the finding is more likely benign or if further studies are necessary. In this case, a biopsy of the area may be needed to make sure it is not cancer.