Diagnostic vs. Screening Mammo

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mkkjd60
mkkjd60 Member Posts: 583
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I had a nodule, birads 3, biopsed in April.  I was put on a 6 months followup.  Can anyone tell me the difference between a diagnostic bilateral mammo and a screening mammo?  Thanks!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2013

    as it was explained to me, the difference between the 2 is this: 1) a screening mammo takes 4 views and a diagnostic mammo takes 6 views; 2) the radiologist will look at a diagnostic mammo and give you the results right then while you wait, while you have to wait usually 3 to 5 days to find out the results of a screening mammo; 3) a screening mammo is for routine care, while a diagnostic is done for something suspicious (such as a lump).

    anne

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited September 2013

    Just to add to awb's response, I believe that diagnostic mammograms also often use a magnifier to provide a more close-up or clearer picture if there is a specific area of concern.

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