What Is the Difference Between Screening Mammograms and Diagnostic Mammograms?
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Getting a Mammogram? Know Which Type Is Best Suited for You
It’s extremely important for women over 40 to have their mammograms every year. While getting a mammogram is widely known as the best way to detect breast cancer early, not many know that there are two primary types. These are the screening mammogram and the diagnostic mammogram.
You might be wondering what’s the difference between the two? Which gives a more accurate result? Which is more ideal for women with a strong family history of breast cancer?
Breast Cancer Car Donations points out the key differences between these two types of mammograms:
- Screening mammogram
Between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram, the former is the simpler one. The procedure is performed on women having no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It pretty much serves as a baseline for future tests in case unusual changes in a patient’s breast appear in later years.
The examination takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Depending on the instructions of the radiologist, patients may be asked to wait until the X-ray images are developed. The results will determine whether additional testing is required.
- Diagnostic mammogram
If any unusual changes in the breast or nipple are detected from the screening mammogram, women will be advised to undergo a diagnostic mammogram. The abnormalities may include a lump, swelling, thickening of the breast skin, unusual nipple discharge, or changes in the shape or size of the breast.
Between the two, a diagnostic mammogram produces a more detailed X-ray image of the breast. It also includes additional views of the breast that may not be found in the screening mammogram, making it easier to evaluate the area of concern.
Additionally, this type of mammogram can be done on women who need follow-up exams from a previous diagnostic mammogram as well as those who had prior treatment for breast cancer.
Diagnostic mammograms usually last 15 to 20 minutes, although it may take more time when extra views are taken. The laboratory may provide you the results of the test on the same day it’s taken, or they may be delivered to your doctor right away, depending on the facility or clinic. In most cases, patients are asked to wait for the X-ray scans to show up.
Other Differences to Remember
Aside from the major differences mentioned earlier, here are a few other differences between screening and diagnostic mammograms:
Screening mammograms are covered by insurance plans in full, with zero out-of-pocket fees for patients. Diagnostic mammograms, on the other hand, are subject to the terms of private insurance plans.
While there’s no need for a supervising doctor to be around during a screening mammogram, there should be one to monitor a diagnostic mammogram.
In summary, screening mammograms are merely routine screenings while in-depth diagnostic mammograms are required for further evaluation of the patient.
Give Hope to Breast Cancer Sufferers with Your Vehicle Donation
A simple vehicle donation to us at Breast Cancer Car Donations is all it would take to help save the lives of breast cancer patients. By contributing to our vehicle donation program, you’ll give needy breast cancer patients in your community an opportunity to receive quality care and treatment from top medical centers.
You can donate almost any type of vehicle, and it doesn’t have to be in good shape when you hand it over to us.
We will place your auto donation up for auction, with the proceeds going straight to our charity partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding we provide to cover the costs of their programs and services, all of which are aimed at improving the well-being of breast cancer sufferers.
To repay you for your contribution, we’ll be sending you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your auto within 30 days after its sale. With this receipt, you can claim the maximum tax deduction when you file your itemized income tax return in the next tax season.
On top of the material rewards that will come your way, you’ll also experience the priceless joy and satisfaction of doing an act of charity that will help save lives.
For more information on our donation program, you may browse through our FAQs page. If you have any questions for us, just leave us a message here or give us a call at 866-540-5069.
Help a Breast Cancer Victim Beat the Disease Today!
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You can help a breast cancer patient in your community overcome the disease. Your vehicle donation can guarantee that. Call Breast Cancer Car Donations at 866-540-5069 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: March 10th, 2023