Breast Cancer Diagnosis Diagnostic Mammography Breast Biopsy Breast Ultrasound Ductogram Less Common Diagnostic Procedures Staging

If an abnormality is detected during screening mammography, or in women with breast complaints, such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain, or skin irritation, a physician may recommend that additional x-rays of the breast be taken to provide different views of the suspicious area. The x-rays can be taken at different angles tailored to the specific area of abnormality. In addition, magnification views or spot compression can be used to make the area easier to evaluate.

Spot compression is a technique that applies compression to a smaller area of the breast, creating better separation of the breast tissue. This technique makes abnormal-appearing areas easier to visualize and evaluate.

Diagnostic mammography cannot provide a definitive diagnosis of breast cancer, but it can be used to determine whether breast abnormalities have a high likelihood of being benign or whether a biopsy should be performed to determine if cancer is present.

A recommendation for diagnostic mammography is not necessarily a reason for concern. The majority of women who undergo diagnostic mammography are not diagnosed with breast cancer.

• Only 1 or 2 mammograms out of every 1,000
  lead to a diagnosis of breast cancer.



• Approximately 10% of women
  will require additional mammography



• Only 8%-10% of those women will need
  to have a breast biopsy performed



• 70% to 80% of all breast biopsies
  show no sign of breast cancer

This website provides general information only. A physician should be contacted if you need any medical advice or if medical decisions need to be made.