A diagnostic mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast for a woman who shows symptoms or has an abnormality discovered during a screening mammogram. More images are taken during a diagnostic mammogram to allow the doctor to study the breast tissue carefully.
Diagnostic indications include:
- Breast pain
- Nipple discharge
- Breast lump
- Skin dimpling
- Nipple retraction
- Previous history of breast cancer or previous abnormal mammogram
Sometimes, a diagnostic mammogram reveals that an abnormal area of tissue is not likely to be cancer and the patient simply returns for a follow-up in four to six months. If the doctor decides the breast tissue is suspicious and needs to be biopsied, the next step may be minimally invasive breast surgery or a more advanced breast biopsy, depending on the individual case. About 80 percent of all breast lesions and breast lumps that are biopsied are found to be benign (non-cancerous) when evaluated under the microscope.
Digital Mammography
Breast cancer survival rates are higher than ever because of early detection. Digital Mammography is a safe, low-dose X-ray that can detect very small changes in the breast, especially those that you or your healthcare provider cannot feel during a breast examination. It can detect 90-95 percent of all breast cancers.
Our radiologists now use computer-aided detection (CAD) to further improve their ability to find even the smallest breast cancers at their earliest stages when there is the greatest chance of cure. CAD is sometimes referred to as a second pairs of eyes in that it is designed to pick up abnormalities in the breast that are not always evident to the radiologist upon an initial evaluation, such as tiny calcium deposits indicating cancer or small masses or distortions.
In some women more advanced diagnostic testing is required, especially if a woman has dense breast tissue that can mask subtle changes in the breast. If a woman has especially high breast tissue density, a whole breast ultrasound is recommended. Mammograms must be only one part of a regular screening program that includes an annual clinical breast exam and monthly breast self-examination.
The Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center's mammography units and those at Muncy Valley Hospital radiology department have been tested and accredited by the American College of Radiology and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The testing program follows the guidelines established by the American College of Radiology and the American Cancer Society.
Talking to your primary care physician is very important; discuss the importance of self-breast examination and routine mammograms. Always talk to your physician if you have a concern or question. The staff at the Susquehanna Health Breast Health Center will work closely with your physician to coordinate the best care for you. If you need to schedule a mammogram, your physician will give you a referral to come to our breast health center.
To schedule a mammogram at the Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center, call our imaging line at (570) 320-7619. We also offer screening mammograms at Muncy Valley Hospital; call (570) 321-2545 to make an appointment.