A SCREENING scan is for a woman who: 

  1. Has no significant breast concerns
  2. Reports they are here for screening 
  3. They may have an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer (family history or genetic issue) but as long as they’ve never had an abnormal biopsy 
  4. Breast implants can still be considered screening as long as meet other criteria 

A DIAGNOSTIC scan will be defined as a scan done on a woman who:  

  1. Has breast-related symptoms like:
    • Breast lump, skin or nipple change, or other breast complaint
    • Cyclic breast tenderness or generalized tenderness of life-long duration does NOT count as symptomatic
  2. Known breast cancer current or past
  3. Prior abnormal pathology on breast biopsy:
    • Atypia, hyperplasia, cancer
    • Fibroadenoma is NOT abnormal pathology
    • If they don’t know the pathology then will need a diagnostic scan
  4. Requires interpretation and correlation with outside breast images (including mammograms, handheld ultrasound, automated breast ultrasound, breast thermography and breast MRI patient)
  5. Desires a “second opinion” regarding confirmation of findings from other medical providers or breast consultants  

A FOLLOW-UP scan is one recommended by interpreting radiologist in lieu of a breast biopsy. Must be performed at same facility and within 6 months of original scan.