If you’re a woman, you have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some point in your life, according to the American Cancer Society. Thanks to mammography, you can often detect breast cancer in its early stages and protect your breast health.
However, you may not know if you need a screening or diagnostic mammogram.
“The answer really depends on why you’re undergoing your mammogram,” says Dr. Evan J. Wolff, a board-certified radiologist at Beaufort Memorial who is fellowship-trained in breast radiology. “Your care team will determine which is appropriate for you at every age and stage of life.”
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How Mammography Works
Whether you’re undergoing a screening or diagnostic mammogram, the breast imaging technology works the same. A mammography machine is specially made to take X-ray images of your breasts with minimal radiation.
When you visit a Beaufort Memorial Breast Health Center for a mammogram, the following takes place:
- You place your breast between two plates.
- The plates compress your breasts, one at a time. This compression spreads out your breast tissue. Doing this helps to photograph as much breast tissue as possible while minimizing radiation exposure, though it may cause short-term discomfort.
- The machine’s X-ray technology captures images of your breast tissue.
- Your healthcare provider reviews the mammogram images for signs of breast cancer.
For years, mammography has created two-dimensional images to help detect breast cancer in women. Recent advances have led to the development of 3D mammography. During a 3D mammogram, the mammography machine takes a series of photos. A computer then stacks the pictures into three-dimensional images. These provide clearer views of the breasts that aid in detection, even if you have dense breast tissue.
Read More: Breast Cancer Screening for Women With Dense Breasts
Get Your Annual Screening Mammogram
A screening mammogram is often the first step in the diagnosis process. It’s the test your healthcare provider and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists recommend you begin at age 40. Screening mammograms help detect cancer before symptoms begin. They also show changes in your breast tissue over time.
“Early detection makes a difference, both in our options for treatment and in overall outcomes, which is why we recommend annual mammograms,” Dr. Wolff says. “For women whose breast cancer is detected while still localized to the breast tissue, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%.”
Following your screening exam, the radiologist reviews your images and sends the results to you and your primary care provider or OBGYN. Unlike a diagnostic mammogram, these tests are considered preventive care and are usually covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance company doesn’t cover mammography, you can purchase screening mammograms at a discounted price through MDsave.
Read More: Take Control of Your Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Look Closer With a Diagnostic Mammogram
When a screening mammogram reveals potential cancer, you get called back for a diagnostic mammogram. This test provides more detailed information on your breast health.
“Diagnostic mammography doesn’t capture images of your entire breast,” Dr. Wolff says. “These follow-up exams focus on getting a closer look at potential problem areas.”
With diagnostic mammography, your radiologist takes multiple pictures of the suspicious area for evaluation. You may need this test in the following situations:
- Changes — Your breast tissue undergoes abnormal changes from one mammogram to the next.
- Follow-up — A screening mammogram identifies areas that may be cancerous.
- Symptoms — You develop nipple discharge, skin dimpling, breast pain or other breast cancer symptoms.
Most of the time, the radiologist reviews a diagnostic mammogram in real-time. As a result, you don’t have to wait for results. You get them on the spot. Then, you and your care team can determine the best next step forward in your breast health journey.
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Next Steps After a Diagnostic Mammogram
What happens after a diagnostic mammogram varies. Your radiologist may realize that the suspicious area wasn’t cancer after all. In this situation, you return home and resume your regular life and mammogram schedule.
However, if diagnostic mammography confirms potential problem areas, additional imaging services give another look at your breast tissue. Tests that may be helpful at this point include:
- Additional mammography
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
Before your care team can diagnose breast cancer, you must undergo a biopsy. For this exam, your healthcare provider removes a small sample of breast tissue. Laboratory experts then review the sample for the presence of cancerous cells. If cancer is detected, you work with your care team to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs.
“Today, there are more breast cancer treatment options than ever before,” Dr. Wolff says. “To take advantage of these new therapies, you need to catch the cancer as early as possible, and it all starts with regular mammography.”
Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammogram
Mammography uses X-ray technology to capture images of breast tissue that help diagnose breast cancer in its earliest stages. Depending on your needs, you may benefit from a screening or diagnostic exam.
- Women should begin screening mammography at age 40. Regularly undergoing this exam helps identify potential cancer as soon as possible.
- Diagnostic mammograms provide a more detailed view of potential problems identified in screening mammograms. These exams are also helpful if you’ve developed breast cancer symptoms.
- When screening and diagnostic mammography indicate cancer may be present, additional testing, including biopsy, confirms a cancer diagnosis. You and your team then create a treatment plan.
Due for a screening mammogram? Call 843-522-5015 or submit a request to schedule your exam at one of our three convenient locations in Beaufort, Okatie or Hilton Head Island.
