What types of mammograms are there?
Two types of mammograms are available depending on whether or not the patient is having any symptoms. A screening mammogram is used in the general female population on a routine basis when the patient is having breast symptoms. It may detect a cancer too small to detect by palpation. Each examination is performed using a special low radiation machine which is specifically designed for mammography. The images are examined by a radiologist, who is trained to look for subtle abnormalities that may indicate cancer. In contrast to the screening study, a diagnostic mammogram will be obtained if a patient is having breast symptoms (such as feeling a lump or noticing breast discharge). This examination is tailored to obtain a clearer picture of the abnormality in question by using specialized views.
