An abnormal mammogram, a lump, or other changes could signal a problem. If a breast abnormality is detected the next step is additional breast imaging with diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, or other tests.

Depending on the results of these tests, a breast biopsy may be ordered.

• Screening mammography—A low-dose x-ray exam of the breast is performed on women with no complaints or symptoms of breast cancer. The goal of screening mammography is to detect breast cancer when it is still too small to be felt by a physician or the patient. The National Cancer Institute completed a study showing that digital mammography for women with dense breasts, women younger than 50, and whose who are perimenopausal may benefit from digital mammograms.


• Diagnostic mammography—An x-ray exam of the breasts to evaluate a possible abnormality discovered through physical exam or routine screening mammography.


• Breast Ultrasound


• Biopsies
  • X-ray guided—called stereotactic biopsy
  • Ultrasound-guided biopsy places a special probe or needle through the breast without a surgical incision and samples lesions that could be cancerous


• Tumor Marker Tests


• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy


• Patient Education Material

For More information:
Digital Mammography

For information or appointments
Breast Imaging Center