Screening vs Diagnostic Mammogram

Options
JuniperCat
JuniperCat Member Posts: 658
edited June 2016 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

I'm due for my annual mammogram this fall. My BS ordered a screening mammmogram rather than a diagnostic one. I'm wondering if this is customary for someone with BC. I look forward to your thoughts and input. Many thanks!!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Tmh0921
    Tmh0921 Member Posts: 714
    edited June 2016

    My orders are always written for a diagnostic mammogram followed by diagnostic ultrasound if needed.

    At my breast imaging center, diagnostic mammograms are read immediately, any additional images are done immediately, and an oncology breast nurse gives you results/recommendations before you leave.

    Tracy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited June 2016

    I get a diagnostic one too since I was DX. Ask your doctor why you don't.

    Diane

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MsPharoah
    MsPharoah Member Posts: 1,034
    edited June 2016

    I also echo sentiments above. For most breast cancer patients, diagnostic mammograms are the norm for the first 5 years. I also get a complete exam (have had to have several US to confirm benign results) and I get results before I leave the imaging center which is very comforting. The only think I don't like about diagnostic mammos is that they are not free with my insurance company. Call your imaging center and/or oncologist and insist on a diagnostic mammo.

    MsP

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JuniperCat
    JuniperCat Member Posts: 658
    edited June 2016

    Thank you all for your replies...there seems to be a general consensus that the diagnostic mammo is preferable. I'll text my BS and ask her about it

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited June 2016

    I had diagnostic the first two years, the screening there after. Regardless, the techs decided twice to do additional exams following screening exams.

    I haven't much faith in mammograms since I found my lump in plain sight, right under my skin, a few months after one. It grew from nothing in such a short time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited June 2016

    My first followup tomorrow is a “bilateral diagnostic” mammo, despite having had cancer only in one breast. They have it scheduled right before my BS’ NP followup visit, which means the radiologist will have read it right away. Presumably, if more views &/or ultrasound are indicated they’d do them right then & there. (Advantages of having a comprehensive breast health center in a major university hospital, adjoining a large cancer center). If the extra imaging is necessary, I would also assume they’d delay the BS’ NP visit till she can see all the results, or even squeeze me in for either a biopsy or the BS’ first available appt. (right now, she’s booked into Nov)!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JuniperCat
    JuniperCat Member Posts: 658
    edited June 2016

    Thank you for your replies...Sandy, please keep us posted ... many hugs for you

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JuniperCat
    JuniperCat Member Posts: 658
    edited June 2016

    I just called the imaging center and asked them why I am being scheduled for a screening rather than a diagnostic mammogram and they explained that because the cancerous tumor has been removed and that I currently am not experiencing new symptoms or a lump that screening is in order. Had I had a new issue arise then they would call for a diagnostic mammogram. This seems to make sense to me. I'll be having the 3D mammo. Does this make sense to you? Also, I'm curious: who orders your mammo, your BS or MO?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mommato3
    Mommato3 Member Posts: 633
    edited June 2016

    I've had two mammograms since being diagnosed and both of them have been screening. My insurance will pay 100% of screening but not diagnostic. I'm not sure the reasoning for not ordering diagnostic but I get a call from gyn's office within a few hours anyways. The only difference, that I know of, between the two is that you get the results right away.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JuniperCat
    JuniperCat Member Posts: 658
    edited June 2016

    Thank you all for your replies!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories