Diagnostic (problem-solving) Digital Mammography

Diagnostic mammography is a digital low dose x-ray examination of the breasts designed to evaluate an abnormality seen on a screening study, or to diagnose problems detected by patients during a breast self examination (BSE) or from a clinical breast physical examination (CBE) performed by a qualified health care provider. Diagnostic mammography allows a tailored examination, including specialized views of the breast, not typically taken in a screening mammography. Diagnostic mammography results are typically available to the patient at the time of her visit.

We perform a diagnostic mammogram when a woman consults with us about conditions such as pain, lumps, nipple discharge, thickening or unusual changes in the shape or contour of her breasts.

Diagnostic mammography may also be appropriate when an abnormality is detected in the breast during a screening mammography. This may occur in 5-7% of all screening mammograms, and does NOT automatically mean that a breast cancer is present. Most diagnostic studies on patients recalled after a screening exam reveal benign (non-cancerous) conditions.