Question 1

small bilateral axillary lymph nodes and neck all less than cm, last 5 months. all investigated nil cause found, tho never biopsied now new left breast lump 6 oclock, approx 2cm x 1cm, could it be lymphoma? screening mammogram 2 months ago normal?

Accepted Answer

: With a breast mass of "2cmx1cm", a biopsy is necessary to determine the diagnosis, which is usually accompanied by an axillary "sentinel node" biopsy on the side of the dominant breast mass.

Question 2

what do they do if my screening mammogram shows a problem?

Accepted Answer

Additional tests: In most cases, additional mammogram views or an ultrasound of the area or both will be the next step.  It is important not to delay follow-up on abnormal test results. Ultimately, if a concern persists a biopsy will be necessary. Be sure to explore minimally invasive biopsy options with your breast specialist such as ultrasound or mammogram guided needle biopsy.

Question 3

how does a diagnostic mammogram differ from a screening mammogram?

Accepted Answer

A closer look.: A screening mammogram is a 2-view study of each breast designed to look for any abnormality in an otherwise symptom-free person.  If an abnormality is found, we will "call back" that person to do a diagnostic mammogram to take a closer look of that specific abnormality.  Diagnostic mammograms are automatically ordered when evaluating a new palpable breast lump or other breast problems.

Question 4

what is the difference between a diagnostic vs screening mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms: A screening mammography is done as a routine exam. There are no symptoms. No masses have been felt. The patient is being screened.
A diagnostic mammo is done because there is some reason other than routine. A mass has been felt, there is a discharge from the nipple, etc. Additional views may be taken. Sometimes a needle aspiration will be done at the same time.

Question 5

what is the.difference bet a diagnostic mammogram?and a screening mammogram?thanks..

Accepted Answer

Mammogram : There may be different insurance coverage  for two. Screening mammogram is  covered under annual physicals and programs like sage. Diagnostic mammogram may fall in deductible category depending upon plan.

Question 6

what if my screening mammogram shows a problem? are there any problems with mammograms?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic Mammogram: The purpose of a screening test is to find as many cancers as possible.  If an abnormality is seen, we will get a closer look with a DX mammogram +/- an ultrasound;  this may then lead to a (nonsurgical) needle biopsy.  When we recommend biopsy, only about 15-30% of the time do we find cancer.  One may look at this as a problem, but i feel it's better to "over-biopsy" than to miss a cancer.

Question 7

what are the dangers and limitations of mammograms and are there any alternative screening processes that you would recommend ?

Accepted Answer

See below: Mammograms have not been associated with dangers. In conjunction with self-examination and health care examination, this is the best screen for breast cancer. Not all cancers are found on mammogram, and, if a lump is present and not seen on mammogram, additional evaluation will be necessary.

Question 8

i had a screening mammogram.i waited while the technician checked. she took 1 more pic but implied something not right . why would she take one more ?

Accepted Answer

Don't: read too much into that.  The technologists do not diagnose or work up abnormalities.  When they take extra pictures on their own, it likely means that one of the pictures was technically inadequate, for example due to motion blurring or suboptimal positioning, and they are simply repeating it to get the best possible picture.

Question 9

some alternatives to mammograms for breast screening.

Accepted Answer

None: At present there are no definite good alternatives to mammograms for breast screening. Ultrasound and MRI are complimentary to mammograms but do not replace mammograms. Specifically microcalcifications are best seen on mammograms which have resolution of up to 70 microns. There are some advertised screening alternatives but none are as tried and true as mammograms.

Question 10

how do i know whether i should get a screening mri rather than a screening mammogram?

Accepted Answer

High-Risk People: Mri is a super-sensitive test for breast cancer but is 20x more expensive than a mammogram.  Therefore, it should be reserved for women who are at a high risk for developing breast cancer.  This is particularly true for young women or those with very dense breast tissue on mammography, which limits the interpretation of mammograms.

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Doctor answers about:

Bilateral mammogram screening

A member asked:

Small bilateral axillary lymph nodes and neck all less than cm, last 5 months. all investigated nil cause found, tho never biopsied now new left breast lump 6 oclock, approx 2cm x 1cm, could it be lymphoma? screening mammogram 2 months ago normal?

A member asked:

What do they do if my screening mammogram shows a problem?

A member asked:

How does a diagnostic mammogram differ from a screening mammogram?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a diagnostic vs screening mammogram?

A member asked:

What is the.difference bet a diagnostic mammogram?and a screening mammogram?thanks..

A member asked:

What if my screening mammogram shows a problem? are there any problems with mammograms?

A member asked:

What are the dangers and limitations of mammograms and are there any alternative screening processes that you would recommend ?

A member asked:

I had a screening mammogram.i waited while the technician checked. she took 1 more pic but implied something not right . why would she take one more ?

A member asked:

Some alternatives to mammograms for breast screening.

A member asked:

How do i know whether i should get a screening mri rather than a screening mammogram?

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