What are the differences between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
The key difference is the purpose for which the mammogram is done. A screening mammogram performed in the BreastScreen Australia program is a free breast x-ray test for women who do not have any symptoms (i.e. asymptomatic or well women). Screening mammograms do not require a doctor’s referral. A diagnostic mammogram is a more complex x-ray of the breast and is done for the following reasons: • to evaluate abnormalities seen or suspected on a prior screening mammogram; • to evaluate abnormalities in the breast such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge or a inexplicable change in breast size or shape; or • in circumstances where it is difficult to obtain a clear x-ray by a screening mammogram, such as when a woman has breast implants. A diagnostic mammogram may incur a cost and requires a doctor’s referral to a private or public radiology practice. Diagnostic mammograms are not offered within the BreastScreen Australia program, except as part of further assessment following a s
The key difference is the purpose for which the mammogram is done. A screening mammogram performed at BreastScreen WA is a free breast X-ray test for women who do not have any breast symptoms. Screening mammograms do not require a doctor’s referral. A diagnostic mammogram is a more complex X-ray of the breast and is done for the following reasons: • to evaluate abnormalities seen or suspected on a prior screening mammogram • to evaluate abnormalities in the breast such as a lump, pain, thickening, nipple discharge or an inexplicable change in breast size or shape • in circumstances where it is difficult to obtain a clear X-ray by a screening mammogram, such as when a woman has breast implants A diagnostic mammogram may incur a cost and requires a doctor’s referral to a private or public radiology practice. Diagnostic mammograms are not offered within the BreastScreen WA program, except as part of further assessment following a screening mammogram that shows an abnormal area.
