Symptomatic Mammogram
What is a symptomatic mammogram?
The Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium defines a symptomatic/diagnostic mammogram as “a mammogram with an indication of additional evaluation of a recent mammogram, short-interval follow-up, evaluation of a breast problem or concern, or diagnostic not otherwise specified” (BCSC, 2021). Symptomatic mammograms may be conducted to evaluate possible abnormalities 1) in individuals who are experiencing symptoms of breast cancer, 2) for further evaluation of an abnormal finding, 3) in individuals who have a history of breast cancer, and 4) individuals who have a history of breast cancer in their family.
What is another name for a symptomatic mammogram?
The term “diagnostic mammogram” is widely used within the mammography field today.
Diagnostic and screening mammograms are the same thing. The concept of the diagnostic mammogram is more so related to the insurance and public health fields.
What differs between the symptomatic/diagnostic screening mammogram process and asymptomatic/screening mammograms?
A screening/diagnostic mammogram takes longer to complete than a screening mammogram because more X-ray images are taken during the process. This allows the interpreting physician to have a more detailed picture of the breasts, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.
What does Mammologix do with the data received concerning symptomatic/diagnostic mammograms?
- Within the mammography medical audit provided by Mammologix, symptomatic mammograms are separated from asymptomatic mammograms for data analysis. Within the symptomatic mammogram category, the facility will be provided key data points so that they can gain a better understanding of how their office is performing in regards to benchmarks such as:
- True Positives
- True Negatives
- Symptomatic mammograms with an initial or final assessment of Suspicious, Highly Suggestive of Malignancy or Needs Additional Imaging
This data will allow the facility to see where it is performing well and where it needs to improve regarding symptomatic mammograms and the data points in that category.
When is an asymptomatic patient treated with a diagnostic instead of a screening mammogram?
An asymptomatic patient may receive a diagnostic mammogram if:
- They received a screening mammogram prior, which had an abnormal finding
- They have a history of breast cancer
Sources:
Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC). (n.d.). BCSC Standard Definitions, Version 3.1. BCSC. https://www.bcsc-research.org/application/files/1516/9505/9808/BCSC_Data_Definitions_v3.1__2023.09.15.pdf
National Breast Center Foundation, Inc. (2020, April 15). Diagnostic Mammogram. NationalBreastCancer. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/diagnostic-mammogram