Diagnostic mammography is an x-ray of the breast. Mammograms are acquired because of abnormal results from screening or after new clinical signs of a breast mass/ lump alerted by the patient or her doctor for further investigation.
 
Such clinical signs may include:
 
  • A mass / lump in the breast
  • Changes in size or shape of the breast
  • Breast pain
  • Thickening of skin on the breast
  • Nipple discharge

A diagnostic mammogram can help determine the cause of these changes and to evaluate the presence of breast cancer.