When is it Necessary?

Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate for cancer after an abnormality has been detected with screening mammography or clinical examination.

Signs that may indicate breast cancer include a lump felt on examination, local breast pain, skin thickening, bloody or clear nipple discharge, or a change in the breast size or shape.

Diagnostic mammography is also used to evaluate abnormalities found during a screening mammogram or for patients who have had breast cancer.