Screening mammogram: This routine screening tool takes low-energy X-ray images of the breasts to look for early signs of cancer in women who aren’t having any symptoms. The goal of this procedure is to detect cancer as early as possible. Thanks to the increase in women who routinely get screening mammograms, more breast cancers today are being caught in the earliest, most treatable stages.

If you have a screening mammogram scheduled but you develop a symptom before your appointment, please let the technologist know before the start of your exam. Changes in your imaging study may be needed if you are experiencing symptoms.

Diagnostic mammogram: If you have a breast lump or other breast symptoms, or if a screening mammogram has revealed something unusual, your doctor may schedule a diagnostic mammogram. This is the same as a screening mammogram, except that the X-rays will focus specifically on the suspicious area, taking magnified images from several angles.

Diagnostic mammograms can help determine whether the area in question is normal or requires further testing. Fortunately, most painful breast lumps, as well as “calcifications” found on mammograms, are not cancer.

3D digital mammogram: In 3D mammography, also known as digital tomosynthesis, the procedure is similar to getting a standard 2D mammogram. The difference is that the X-ray takes more images and combines them to create a clearer, three-dimensional view of the breast. Studies have found that 3D mammograms identify more cancers, result in fewer false positives, and detect more cancers in patients with all levels of breast density and in all age groups. are more effective in women who are 65 and older.

Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves rather than X-rays, so it doesn’t involve any radiation. It takes longer than a mammogram — about 30-45 minutes — and may be used to more closely evaluate patients in special circumstances. These may include patients who:

• Are at especially high risk for breast cancer
• Have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer
• Are at risk for recurrence after treatment
• Have had abnormal findings on a mammogram or ultrasound
• Have breast implants

Breast ultrasound: This imaging technique is often used after a mammogram to provide more information, such as whether a lump is solid (potential cancer) or filled with fluid (a cyst). During this painless procedure, a lubricating jelly is spread over the area to be evaluated, and a wand-like instrument is moved over the area, sending sound waves into the breast, which then reflect an image of the area onto a screen.

Automated breast ultrasound: Automated breast ultrasound is an automated machine that uses ultrasounds to look at breast tissue. As a screening tool, it is most useful in women who have dense breast tissue, done in conjunction with their screening mammogram. Dense breast tissue can sometimes make it hard to see subtle findings in a mammogram. This technique has been shown to be helpful as an additional screening tool since is allows for detection of small masses or lumps despite the density of the breast tissue.