ButtonDefault

DirectusCMSFetcher

ModalTriggerWrapper

DirectusCMSField

DirectusCMSCredentialsProvider

SlideoutMenu

WicHeaderDynamic

WicButtonDefault

WicFooter

ScriptPrintTm

WicServiceDetailL2

Experiment

Segment

Tablet

antd

react-awesome-reveal

plasmic-nav

plasmic-embed-css

loading-boundary

plasmic-basic-components

react-youtube

plasmic-tabs

react-aria

plasmic-rich-components

antd5 hostless

react-slick

TWH-PRACTICES 

react-quill

A diagnostic mammogram uses low dose x-ray to evaluate a breast concern or to “get a closer look” at a finding on a recent screening mammogram. Learn more here!

Mammogram Diagnostic in CO | What is a Diagnostic Mammogram?

Frequently Asked Questions About Diagnostic Mammograms

Get clear answers about your breast health with a diagnostic mammogram from the experienced care team at The Women’s Imaging Center.

Diagnostic Mammogram in Colorado

We serve patients in the Greater Denver area, with multiple locations for your convenience. Discover how our fellowship-trained radiologists elevate health and wellness with diagnostic mammograms and more.


Find a Diagnostic Mammogram Near Me

A diagnostic mammogram uses low dose x-ray to evaluate a breast concern or to "get a closer look" at a finding on a recent screening mammogram. The special views may use 3D mammography, magnification, or spot compression views to further characterize an area of interest. A breast complaint such as a lump, nipple discharge, or focal pain may require special diagnostic images to be interpreted by radiologists specialized in this field.
The purpose of the diagnostic mammogram is to distinguish normal structures that are components of the breast from abnormal lesions. A diagnostic mammogram can detect subtle differences in the cellular structure or patterns of the tissues. Mammogram abnormalities may present as distortion, masses, or small white spots called cluster microcalcifications. Obtaining a diagnostic mammogram provides the clearest images to characterize an abnormal finding.
On additional imaging evaluation, most abnormal mammogram findings will prove to be benign (noncancerous). However, diagnostic mammography imaging is necessary to distinguish these findings from malignancy (cancer). The radiologist can only render an opinion after obtaining the specialized imaging. For example, calcifications seen on a mammogram may be characterized as fibrocystic after additional imaging or may be characterized as cluster calcifications that require further workup. Most cluster calcifications are benign (noncancerous), but the closer look can help to distinguish these.
Screening mammography looks at "the big picture," while diagnostic mammography provides "the detail."

What is Diagnostic Mammogram?

The specialized breast radiologists at The Women's Imaging Center interpret the images. Our radiologists are all fellowship-trained in breast and women's imaging, far exceeding the national standards. They have trained at the nation's most rigorous institutions and received the highest awards for excellence in this field. Selecting the mammogram facility recognized nationally for excellence in the field of Mammography and Womens Imaging, gives you the best opportunity for early detection and diagnosis.

For over 27 years, The Women’s Imaging Center has provided advanced imaging services for women in Colorado. We are the area’s only comprehensive women’s imaging center, offering over 100 breast, body imaging, and diagnostic medical procedures. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures you get the answers you need.

Who’s Reading Your Diagnostic Mammogram? Experience Matters.

- Please do not apply deodorant on the day of your mammogram. Applying deodorant can interfere with the ability of the mammogram to distinguish aluminum artifacts (found in most deodorants) from microcalcifications, which may be the earliest sign of breast cancer.
- Wear a two-piece outfit if possible, as you will be changing into a waffle robe so the mammography technologist has the best access to perform the imaging exam.
- Please tell us the location of your prior examinations so we can request these ahead of your visit. Many radiology departments use PowerShare like us to quickly send the digital images to us. Note that some facilities will not release the outside images to us ahead of time until you have signed a release form when you first establish care at any of our Women’s Imaging Center locations. Our digital film librarian will gladly facilitate this process for you; call 303-854-6818 x 237.

Before the Mammogram

The technologist will walk you through the positions needed to obtain the best radiology images. They will ensure you are comfortable during the imaging exam at every step. Unlike a regular Mammogram where there is just one type of paddle, with a 3D Diagnostic Mammogram, there are multiple paddles. The same mammogram machine is used for performing screening and diagnostic exams. The difference is the use of specialized compression paddles, magnification or different angles used for “diagnostic mammogram imaging” exams to bring out characteristics of benign versus malignant tumors.

To obtain magnification views of calcifications, we gently place the breast onto a large stand on the mammogram machine while using a smaller spot compression paddle to press through the tissue. This process helps us better determine if a breast mass or architectural distortion is present. The amount of pressure needed for the correct exposure is based on the thickness and density of the breast. We want to keep the breast in the same position to avoid motion that may cause blurriness of the image. The mammography technologist will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds while she obtains the exposure. Diagnostic mammography uses high-resolution, low-dose x-rays of the breast, and we may obtain one or more imaging views of a particular finding. Breast implants do not typically pose a problem. Our technologists are highly experienced in performing diagnostic mammograms, including with implants.

During the Mammogram

If we notice an area that persistently appears abnormal after diagnostic breast imaging, the radiologist may recommend a minimally invasive breast biopsy. All of our minimally-invasive breast biopsies are performed within our Centers for your comfort, convenience, and continuity of care. When a biopsy is indicated, the results will be available within two working days.

If treatment for an atypical, precancerous, or cancer result is needed, we can perform any additional pretreatment imaging, such as breast MRI or needle localization, at The Women’s Imaging Center. The care team and navigator coordinate your care among other specialists, including the radiologist, surgeon, or other specialists, based on the recommendation of your referring clinician or within the continuity of care following the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines or the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommendations.

After the Mammogram

Diagnostic Mammogram Specialists in Denver

We want to make you as comfortable as possible during your diagnostic mammogram. Here&rsquo;s what you can expect for your procedure.

What to Expect With a Diagnostic Mammogram

Diagnostic Mammogram

The Women’s Imaging Center