The difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms lies in their purpose: screening mammograms are routine tests used to check for breast cancer in people without symptoms, while diagnostic mammograms investigate a specific concern or abnormal finding. Both play vital roles in early detection, but diagnostic mammograms involve additional imaging and evaluation by a radiologist while you’re present.
At Bedford Breast Center, we offer both screening and diagnostic mammography, along with advanced imaging technologies, like Vera Scan Breast CT and breast ultrasound, to provide a complete picture of your breast health.
What Is a Screening Mammogram?
A screening mammogram looks for signs of cancer when there are no symptoms or complaints of breast disease and neither you nor your doctor feels anything out of the ordinary.
What To Expect During the Exam
A screening mammogram is typically taken with 2 X-ray views of each breast, though additional images may be necessary for women with larger breasts. The goal is to detect breast cancer when it’s too small to be felt. This once-a-year check helps ensure that subtle abnormalities are not missed.
When & How Often To Schedule a Mammogram
Yearly screening mammograms are recommended for all women starting at age 40, along with a yearly clinical breast exam by your healthcare professional. If you have a higher risk for breast cancer, your doctor may recommend a mammogram at an earlier age.
Why Early Detection Matters
Detecting breast cancer as early as possible, before it has grown or spread, greatly improves a woman’s chance of a successful treatment.
What Is a Diagnostic Mammogram?
Diagnostic mammograms investigate concerns and involve additional views of the breast. These images are the same as a screening mammogram, but the focus is on an area that appears abnormal or was identified as a concern by you, your doctor, or a previous screening.
What Happens During an Exam?
A radiologist evaluates these images while you’re present and will explain the next steps. Sometimes, a diagnostic mammogram is used for women previously treated for breast cancer.
Understanding Your Results
- What is seen or felt is likely attributable to healthy tissue.
- We may want to check that area again in 6 months to be extra safe. (This does not mean you’ll need a mammogram every 6 months forever!)
- We may feel completely confident that it is safe and return you to your regular screening schedule.
- It requires additional imaging to get more advanced views and clarity
- Either Dr. Memsic or Dr. Richardson can provide this order if you are under their care, or your referring physician can provide it.
- It requires a tissue sample (biopsy) to determine the nature of the area.
- This can sometimes be done during the same visit, if it is seen on ultrasound.
- If it requires mammogram guidance, this may need to be done at a later time, as it requires more preparation than an ultrasound biopsy.
- Surgical removal is not usually the first line of investigation before a core needle biopsy has been done, but it can be a good choice for specific situations. Let us know if you think you may fall into this category.
You must have an order from a doctor to undergo a diagnostic mammogram. If you have seen Dr. Memsic or Dr. Richardson at our breast care center, we can sometimes provide this order for you.
Other Breast Imaging Options Available at Bedford Breast Center
In addition to traditional mammography, Bedford Breast Center offers advanced imaging technologies that provide greater comfort, precision, and clarity in diagnosis. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend one of the following:
Vera Scan Breast CT
Our Vera Scan Breast CT system provides a groundbreaking alternative to traditional mammography. Using low-dose CT technology, Vera Scan creates a 360-degree, high-resolution image of the breast without compression or discomfort.
This technology offers:
- Enhanced detection with ultra-detailed 3D images for more accurate diagnosis.
- No compression required, providing a pain-free experience.
- Gentle imaging for implants and sensitive tissue.
- Fast results, with scans completed in just 7 seconds per breast.
Vera Scan is particularly beneficial for patients with dense breasts, implants, or recent surgeries, as it captures fine details that may be difficult to detect through traditional mammography.
Learn more about how Vera Scan makes breast imaging more comfortable and reassuring for the right patients.
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue, helping determine whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled. It’s often performed after a mammogram shows an abnormality or if your provider feels something unusual during an exam.
Key benefits include:
- No radiation exposure, making it safe and painless.
- Ideal for younger women with dense breast tissue.
- Real-time imaging that can guide biopsies when needed.
Ultrasound complements mammography by offering additional insights, particularly in cases where dense tissue makes it difficult to detect abnormalities.
By combining traditional and advanced imaging methods, Bedford Breast Center ensures you receive the most accurate, comfortable, and comprehensive breast health evaluation possible.
Take the Next Step
To schedule an appointment, contact our Beverly Hills medical center online or call us at (310) 278-8590.
This post was originally written in 2022 and has been updated in 2025.