MAMMOGRAMS: DIAGNOSTIC AND SCREENING MAMMOGRAMS. A CLEAR EXPLANATION OF MAMMOGRAMS IN A BLOG BY A SURGEON

---

Mammograms.Do you know the difference between a screening and diagnostic mammogram? For a test that is supposed to clarify things, the whole topic of mammograms and what they are used for is rather opaque.

"Mammography can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Cure rates are much higher when the breast cancer can be found at this stage. Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40".

"The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening"

. "Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings such as a breast lump or lumps that have been found by her or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammography in order to determine the cause of the area of concern on the screening exam".

I suggest you read this precise explanation of mammograms and how they are used at MAMMOGRAMS from the blog Suture for a Living.Written by a plastic surgeon Suture For A Living has the attention to detail that you would expect from a surgeon. It also well illustrated. You can learn alot from reading this blog. But don't let that frighten you away. The Doctor's writings about her hobbies and avocations are also entertaining.